Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ordered the suspension of the planned demolition of the burnt section of Aleshinloye Market until a suitable alternative is provided for the affected traders.

The governor issued this directive during a visit to the market on Tuesday, following a devastating fire on March 12 that destroyed goods worth millions of naira in the plastic and rubber section of the market.

While on-site, Governor Makinde announced that his administration had already provided palliatives to offer immediate relief to the victims. He further stated that the state government, alongside the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area and the Ibadan South Local Council Development Area, would collaborate to mitigate the impact of the disaster on the traders in the coming days.

The governor also outlined plans for the market’s restructuring, focusing on improving infrastructure to prevent future fire outbreaks. He emphasized the importance of public awareness, saying, “It is better to avoid anything that can lead to a fire incident than to curtail it. People should store items, especially those with the potential to catch fire, with utmost caution.”