A long-standing legal battle of about 12 years between Oyo State government and the plank traders over the occupancy of Temidire Sawmill/Plank Market, Ibadan, was on Friday, August 12, 2022, settled by the governor, Seyi Makinde.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, in a statement on Saturday, August 13.
The parties reportedly 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 that the government had been able to resolve the matter on terms that were favourable to both parties.
Temidire plank market, which is 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 the operations at the sawmill.
This had made the last administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi to 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 back and pursue the legal option.
Olaleye said: “That location used to be occupied by plank traders at Temidire Sawmill near Gbagi market, so the government of Oyo State in 2012 decided to have a very big market there and also relocate the sawmill to Fasade community with some provisions made for them. While some people moved, some refused to move, so there was dispute. They filed cases against government in court, resulting in series of orders.
“Snce then, the contractor has not been able to complete that project. The government has been engaging them in the last six months and today, we have been able to resolve on terms that are favourable 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 sawmill operators 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 would be for the contractor to engage with the government on terms that are favourable it and the people of Oyo State.
The General Secretary, Temidire Sawmill/Plank Market Association, Mr Adeyemo Adeniyi, who is also one of the claimants, 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 to the state government for bringing all the parties together for mutual agreement to be achieved.
He explained that the developer had a public-private-partnership with the last administration in the year 2014, with an agreement to develop the business complex.
He added that some of the occupants moved to the other site at Fasade while some refused to leave.
He also assured that the project would soon be completed, adding that the company also engaged the plank traders through the patronage of their goods to build the market.
He went further to commend the laudable infrastructural and developmental projects in the state, adding that Oyo State had become the Mecca of investors because of the enabling environment provided by the Seyi Makinde-led government.
