The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has on Friday, settled the long-standing legal tussel between the State government and the Saw-millers over the occupancy of Temidire Saw-millers Plank Market
Temidire plank market, which is close to the popular Gbagi Market in Ibadan was proposed to be restructured to a modern market by the previous administrations in the State, because of several reports of environmental hazards emanating from the operations at the saw mill.
This had resulted to the forceful eviction of the traders during the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
In turn, many of the traders moved to another location provided for a new plank market while some decided to stay put and pursue the legal option.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftains matters, Barrister Olaleye said that “the location used to be occupied by Saw-millers at Temidire near Gbagi market, so the government of Oyo State in 2012 decided to have a very big market there and also relocate the Saw-millers to Fasade community with some provisions made for them, but while some people moved, some refused to move, so there was dispute, they filed cases against government in court, series of court cases and orders.
“So since 2012, the contractor has not been able to complete that project, government has been engaging them in the last six (6) months and today we have been able to resolve on terms that are favorable to all parties”
The parties signed legal documents in agreement with terms to settle the crisis amicably.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the government has been able to resolve the matter on terms that were favorable to all parties.
“We believe that with this, the project can now proceed to the next stage for the benefit of the people of Oyo State and also that the Saw-millers can now resettled wherever they want to be.”
The General Secretary, Temidire Saw-millers Plank Market Association, Mr Adeyemo Adeniyi who is also one of the claimants has also affirmed that the body has settled with the government
“We are not forced to sign the documents with the government, it was done after due consultation and agreement to terms,” Adeniyi noted.
The developer, Temidire Business complex, Mr. Oyebola Okusanya appreciated the State government for bringing all the parties together and for mutual agreement to be achieved.
Governor Makinde assured that the Temidire business complex will soon be completed and that the next stage is for the contractor to engage with the government on terms that are favorable to the government and the people of Oyo State.
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