Odidiomo Inspects Oranyan Market Fire Disaster, Commiserates With Affected Traders

The Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide Odidiomo, has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the destruction caused by a midnight fire at the popular Oranyan Market in Ibadan, where hundreds of traders were left counting losses running into millions of naira.

Hon. Olajide Odidiomo personally inspected the affected sections of the market on Monday and interacted with shop owners and other traders as they assessed the extent of their losses following the inferno, which broke out around midnight on Sunday.

The fire, which affected parts of Oranyan Market in the Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, destroyed shops dealing in jewellery, furniture, second-hand clothing and other goods. Reports from the scene indicated that nearly 300 shops may have been affected, although the Oyo State Fire Service said a definitive figure would only emerge after a proper assessment.

During the interaction, several traders recounted the extent of their losses, explaining that goods accumulated over years of trading had been destroyed within hours.

Addressing the traders during the inspection, Odidiomo expressed deep concern over the scale of the destruction, noting that the affected businesses represented more than physical structures and merchandise. He said they were the livelihoods, investments and years of sacrifice of families who depended on the market for their economic survival.

The APM senatorial candidate said the recurrence of market fires demanded a coordinated response involving government agencies, market associations and other stakeholders, particularly in the areas of fire prevention, emergency preparedness, rapid response and the provision of basic safety infrastructure.

He urged government agencies, well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to rally around the victims and provide urgent assistance as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their businesses.

Odidiomo said his interaction with the traders provided him with first-hand insight into the immediate challenges confronting the affected business owners, many of whom had lost merchandise, business premises and the working capital on which their livelihoods depended.

He stressed that the recurrence of such incidents should prompt a broader conversation on the safety and resilience of markets across Oyo State, noting that protecting markets also means protecting jobs, household incomes and the local economy.

Odidiomo assured the traders that he would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders on possible interventions, particularly measures that could assist affected businesses to recover and reduce the likelihood of similar disasters in the future.

The lawmaker commiserated with the affected traders and their families, urging them not to lose hope despite the magnitude of their losses.

He added that the incident was a reminder that effective representation goes beyond legislative activities, stressing the importance of being physically present with the people at critical moments, listening to their concerns and pursuing practical responses to challenges affecting their livelihoods.