Traders at Fayose Market in Ado-Ekiti, have described as untrue the claim of the imposition N7million per unit of the new built lock up shop in the market by the Chairman of Ado Central Local Council Development Area in Ekiti State, Engr. Toyin Ojo.
Recall that, a splinter group had accused the Council Boss of showing exploitative tendency by allegedly imposing a whopping N7million on newly constructed shop in the market .
Addressing journalists during the rally , the Caretaker Chairman of the market, Adekunle Adeleye, dismissed the allegation, clarifying that each unit was sold for ₦5 million as against ₦7 million being claimed.
He praised Chairman Ojo for his notable contributions to the market’s transformation and to the overall development of Ado-Ekiti, including the introduction of technological advancements and infrastructure improvements.
Adeleye also expressed his delight at the Chairman’s intention to install CCTV cameras in the market to strengthen its security architecture, construct intra-road networks to improve easy access, adding that this further proves his commitment to making the market an art of the state business avenue.
“The reason for this peaceful rally is because of our able Chairman, Engineer Toyin Ojo as a result of a protest staged against him some time ago on the issue of lock-up shops they claimed to be seeking for seven million naira.
“That’s a blatant lie, those shops are sold for only N5m and these are the people who bought the new shops.
“Engineer Toyin Ojo has done a lot for us, he is a good leader, we love his leadership style and he has promised us a lot of things.
“He has promised to install CCTV cameras in all these gates of the market to strengthen our security architecture, he has also promised to to construct intra roads within the market, we are in support of him, we love him, we want him and we don’t want him to leave our market”.
The Chairman of Igbo Traders Association in the Market, Ndubusi Nwuba, described those behind the earlier protest as “misguided elements,” insisting the market remains peaceful and united.
“The so-called agitators do not represent the majority. We, the Igbo traders, fully support Engr. Ojo and will continue to back his infrastructural efforts in the state.” He added
Also speaking, a former Chairman of the market, Kehinde Badmus, described Toyin Ojo as humble and exemplary, adding that his integrity and developmental mindset have earned him respect among his peers.
He also urged the local government to construct more lock-up shops to accommodate diverse businesses and boost the local economy.