The hues to the demolition of buildings in Ibadan

Dugbe Alawo, Ibadan.

    Towards achieving a clean environment, the Oyo state government embarked on the demolition of illegal structures across the state capital.
    Markets at Dugbe, Iwo road, Oje, Molete, Challenge, New Garage, Orita, Apata, Bodija Oju-irin among others were affected by the demolition exercise.

    Indeed, the decision of the state Government to toe the line of its Lagos state counterpart, in the area of the demolition of make shift structures, has caused more worries for residents and migrants alike. The pulling down of these structures is an on going exercise in the state capital.
Even though beautification is the latest song on the lips of the present administration in the state, the government appeals to the people to be patient with it, as it strives to make the state capital clean and investor friendly.
     Government officials disclose that the state government is keen in ensuring that the environment is devoid of structures considered to be eyesore. Those occupying the structures insist that their unflinching support for the ruling party in the 2011 general elections, ensured its victory in
the state.
    A cross section of residents applaud the government’s initiative, but frown at the inability of government to provide alternative locations for the
traders, who are mostly in the category below the low income group.
    Perhaps, to make up for the defect, the state government hurriedly cleared the over grown weeds at the Scout Camp, Molete, belonging to the Scout Association of Nigeria, Oyo state chapter
and unofficially directed the stranded traders to take spaces there.Surprisingly, some officials quickly took advantage of the situation to collect fees for spaces. The state government dissociated itself from the act and warned the public to be wary of such people collecting fees.
     Prostitutes in brothels scattered all over the state capital have equally been flushed out of their abodes. The prostitutes lament that they voted for the ruling party, but the ruling party decided to put an end to their means of livelihood.
     However, the State Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Lowo Obisesan assures that Government would not be deterred by blackmail and rumour in its bid to ensure that it transforms the state.
     Interestingly, the State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi’s disclosure that his administration has identified 27 locations for the construction of modern neighbourhood markets serves as a temporary soothing balm to the displaced traders
     Sadly, the temporary market at the scout camp had for long served as dump site for residents.
     The traders disregarded the dump site status of their new location and displaced edibles for sale, while cleaners engaged by the state Ministry of Environment and Habitat made spirited efforts to clear the immeasurable refuse.
     At the onset of the demolition of illegal structures/markets at Iwo road, the state Governor had assured that the traders would be moved to a new location.
     "We are moving them to a new location, where they will no longer constitute an eyesore. The message here is that Oyo state must change. We want a clean state. Everybody has been saying Oyo state is one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria. We want to stop that. We therefore want the cooperation of our people".
    "Although there is nothing you do that people will not criticize, you about, for us, we must be courageous enough to make a difference. But I want to assure you that it would have a human face", Ajimobi had promised.
     The President, BRACED Association, the umbrella body of the South/South indigenes resident in Oyo state, Chief Michael Obasohon appeals to the state government to consider the high rate of unemployment, poverty and hunger in the land, as reasons for implementing its beautification plans
with care.
     "Most of these traders rely on what they sell daily, to cater for their families, government should be considerate. However, the plans of government are
commendable, once the interest of the ordinary people are accommodated", Obasohon opined.
     Governor Ajimobi is now the major topic of discussion in almost every area you turn to, in Ibadan. Like the cab I boarded yesterday and this morning, the passengers and driver kept on lamenting on how difficult things have become. At one point, the driver of the cab began to hail Governor Ajimobi with the fear of getting quoted or arrested (I assume) as he thought I was a reporter, because I passed no comment or contributed to their discussion.
      They were all of the opinion that the governor should create a forum or platform for Oyo State residents, so as to foster a democratic form of government, and also to enable people share opinions.
     Now that the present government is bent on cleaning the state through the demolition of illegal structures, the question is, will this last long, even when a new government assumes post?