By DAPO FALADE
The Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworola, has clarified that the recent relocation of the Ago-Are Cattle Market in Atisbo South Local Council Development Area was done with the approval of the Oyo State government.
The traditional ruler made the clarification in response to a recent report by an online news medium that the relocation was carried out without the approval and consent of the state government.
Oba Kofoworola said the decision by the stakeholders to relocate the market was contained in a letter sent by the caretaker chairman of Atisbo South LCDA to the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development on 16 October, 2017, referenced ATSSLCDA/86/T1/1.
He further stated that the ministry, through a letter dated 6 November, 2017 and signed by Dr (Mrs) Ibitoye M.M, on behalf of the commissioner with reference number VD 851/4, granted the approval for the relocation.
“The news of the approval was greeted with joy by all stakeholders, save for those at the helms of affairs at the council level who were supposed to implement the order.
“There is another letter dated 3 June, 2020 referenced VD 851/11 and signed by P.A. Adegunwa for the commissioner, requesting the immediate relocation of the market. Then what government order do we act against if I may ask the publisher of that falsehood?,” he said.
The Ago-Are Cattle Market, according to him, was established then with the approval of the government and allocation of market land by the then Aare of Ago-Are, the late Oba Adesope Oyeniran.
Oba Kofoworola also explained that the decision to relocate the market was informed by population explosion and close proximity of the market to residential houses in his domain.
“Then cattle dealers association, Fulanis, Bororos, Hausa etc met to discuss on the relocation and the resolution reached at the meeting was passed to Kabiyesi [the late Oba Oyeniran], the Aare of Ago-Are land in a meeting around September, 2016.
“At another meeting which had Kabiyesi, community executives, local government chairman and staff, the market stakeholders (cattle dealers, Fulanis, Bororos, Hausas, Yoruba etc) in attendance, it was resolved to relocate the market to Onibeji Area, along Okaka Road, Ago-Are,” he added.
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