The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has called on the government to monitor the project so as to compel the contractor to use quality materials.
The traditional ruler made this call on Wednesday during the flag off of the Market by Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo town.
The Alaafin said: “I want to say we are grateful to the governor for deeming it fit to build a new Akesan Market for us.
“I plead that the Governor should ensure that the materials that will be used to build this market must be of standard quality, because they say it is beauty that ends the palace of a king that got burnt.
“I want a situation whereby when people like us are gone, people will remember us for being part of those who achieved a big project like this in Oyo. We want those that will build it to follow the precise pattern of the building and I pray that God will help them.”
Similarly, the Iyaloja of Akesan Market appreciated the governor for his support and sympathy ever since the fire incident occurred, as well as the financial assistance offered to the market men and women.
“We cannot but also appreciate the governor for today’s flag-off of the construction of the new Akesan Market. We are all deeply grateful for this gesture. I know that he is someone who doesn’t like people to suffer; one who has the interest of the downtrodden at heart. He does not want us to beg before we eat.
“And as he has promised that the market will be open for commercial activities within six months, so shall it be; because we know the voice of God is the voice of a man. We know he will do it because he fulfills any promise he makes and God will always support him.”
Earlier in his address, the caretaker committee Chairman, Oyo East Local Government, Hon. Saheed Arowosaye Adeyemi, said that Akesan Market remained important to the socio-economic development and survival of the historic Oyo Town and the entire state, appreciating the governor for promising to re-allocate shops to all shop owners that lost their shops in the inferno, at no cost on them.
He thanked the governor for taking measures to improve the economy of Oyo Town by deliberately citing viable projects including construction of roads and bridges, operation zero potholes, the refurbished primary healthcare centre at Alaafin’s palace, the 10,000 metric tonnes capacity silo in Aawe, the Agribusiness project also in Aawe and the new Akesan Market among others.
