Makinde settles 12yr-old govt legal tussle with plank traders

By Stephen Gbadamosi

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, at the weekend, settled the long-standing legal battle over occupancy of Temidire Saw-millers Plank Market between them and the state government.

The parties signed legal documents in agreement with terms to settle the crisis amicably.

Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the government had been able to resolve the matter on terms that were favourable to all parties.

The plank market, close to the popular Gbagi Market, was to be turned to a modern market by the previous administrations in the state, as there were reports of environmental hazards posed by operations at the saw mill, a development that made the last administration of the late Abiola Ajimobi forcefully evict the traders.

The step led to litigations, as some of the traders moved to another location provided for a new plank market, while some decided to stay put and pursue the legal option.

READ ALSO: PROVIDUS BANK: Bank charges, Fraudulent act by bankers

Olaleye explained 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, others refused to move. So, there was dispute; they filed cases against government in court; there were 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 months and today, we have been able to resolve on terms that are 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 resettle wherever they want to be.”

Governor Makinde assured that the Temidire business complex would soon be completed and that the next stage was for the contractor to engage with the government on terms that would be favorable to the government and the people of Oyo State.

The General Secretary, Temidire Saw-millers Plank Market Association, Mr. Adeyemo Adeniyi, who is also one of the claimants, also affirmed that the body had settled with the government.

“We have been on this issue since 2012. We thank God that today we are here to sign the agreement that will enable us to continue our business in another location.

“We were not forced to sign the documents with the government. It was done after due consultation and agreement to terms,” Adeniyi said.

The developer, Temidire Business Complex, Mr. Oyebola Okusanya, expressed appreciation the state government for bringing all the parties together and for mutual agreement to be achieved.

He explained that the developer had a public-private-partnership (PPP) agreement with the last administration in 2014, with the aim to develop the business complex.