Engr. Akeem Olatunji, Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, has provided immediate financial relief to traders affected by the devastating Ayetoro Market fire, giving N100,000 to each victim in a bid to ease the economic shock. The presentation took place on Thursday, 1 January, at the chairman’s private residence in Sanyo, Ibadan, where market leaders, victims and community figures met to receive the assistance.
Ayetoro Market fire relief
The grant follows a blaze that engulfed Ayetoro Market in Ward 3 of Oluyole on 19 November 2025, destroying goods valued at several millions of naira and leaving many traders without stock and income. Olatunji said the cash support was intended to cushion the immediate economic impact and help affected traders begin the process of recovery.
“We are mindful of the hardship this incident has caused many families. This intervention is to help traders get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Olatunji told the gathering. He urged traders to observe safety protocols at their business premises to reduce the risk of future fires and called for collective prayers for the community, citing the broader economic pressures facing the country.
The payment was described by beneficiaries as swift and sincere. Mrs Abiodun Adeyemo, the spokesperson for the affected traders, said she was surprised by the speed of the intervention and lauded Olatunji as a “talk-and-do” chairman whose actions matched his assurances. The Babaloja General of Oluyole Local Government, Alhaji Mukaila Onirin, commended the chairman’s timely response and pledged continued support from traders to the administration.
Local leaders present at the event included the Ayetoro Joint General Communities Chairman, Alhaji Abideen Afolabi; Babaloja of Ayetoro Market, Oloye Omogboye Isiaka; Iyaloja of Ayetoro Market, Oloye Afolasade Ojolowo; and Hon. Taofeek Azeez Iwo, leader of the Oluyole Local Government Legislative House and Ward 3 councillor. Their presence underlined the community’s endorsement of the relief effort and the importance of co‑operation between elected officials and market leadership.
Community representatives highlighted that the relief, while not a complete remedy for the losses incurred, would provide immediate liquidity to replace essential stock, pay urgent bills and support household needs while longer-term recovery plans are developed. Traders said they would use the funds to prioritise items that would allow them to resume trading quickly.
Olatunji’s intervention also carried a message about prevention. He reminded traders and market managers to prioritise fire safety measures such as clear escape routes, functioning fire extinguishers and regular inspections of electrical installations. He called on the community to work with local authorities to reduce risk and to support those who lost goods in the blaze.
As the Ayetoro community begins rebuilding, the local administration and market leadership signalled their intent to coordinate further support, including measures to improve market safety and to explore options for more substantial replacement assistance. For now, the N100,000 payment to each affected trader represents an immediate step towards stabilising livelihoods and restoring confidence among market operators.
Local observers said the gesture reflects an inclusive approach to grassroots governance and aligns with broader expectations of responsive leadership at the municipal level. Traders and community leaders closed the meeting with expressions of gratitude and a pledge to back the chairman’s administration as recovery efforts continue.
Key Takeaways:
- Oluyole council chairman Engr. Akeem Olatunji provided N100,000 each to traders affected by the Ayetoro Market fire.
- The intervention aims to cushion losses after the 19 November 2025 blaze destroyed goods worth millions.
- Community leaders praised the swift response and pledged support for the chairman’s grassroots governance.
