Governor Okpebholo Leads Top Edo Leaders on Inspection of Reconstructed Oba Market

…..as traders celebrate return of business hub

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Residents, traders, and business owners at the rebuilt on Friday erupted in celebration as Edo State Governor led a high-powered delegation of government officials and political leaders on an inspection tour of the reconstructed facility.

The Governor’s visit to the market, which came unscheduled, attracted widespread excitement among traders and market women who welcomed him with songs, cheers, and expressions of gratitude for the completion of the market reconstruction project years after the devastating fire incident that destroyed the commercial hub.

Governor Okpebholo was accompanied by Deputy Governor , former Deputy Governors and , former Senator , Major General , Edo State APC Secretary , alongside other political leaders from Edo South Senatorial District.

Addressing traders during the inspection, Governor Okpebholo commended market women and business operators for their patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout the reconstruction process, noting that their support contributed significantly to the successful completion of the project.

The Governor explained that his decision to personally inspect the facility followed reports and concerns raised by some traders regarding sections of the market still awaiting completion.

He assured traders that allocation of shops in the reconstructed market would be done free of charge for genuine traders and previous occupants, stressing that no individual would be compelled to pay for shop allocation.

Governor Okpebholo further disclosed that traders yet to secure spaces would first be accommodated in the newly completed sections, while another government-owned structure located behind the market would also be reconstructed to create additional trading spaces.

According to him, traders currently operating outside the market environment would equally be moved into the main market to provide them with safer and more comfortable business spaces protected from adverse weather conditions.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all shop owners who occupied spaces before the fire incident retain their shops upon the final completion of the reconstruction exercise.

“We are committed to restoring the pride of Oba Market and improving the welfare of traders and business owners. Our administration will continue to work to make Edo people happy,” the Governor stated.

Speaking during the visit, former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu praised the quality and standard of the reconstructed market, describing the facility as comparable to modern international markets.

Odubu noted that the project reflects the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural renewal and economic revitalisation in Edo State.

Also speaking, former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen said the reconstruction had restored dignity, comfort, and renewed commercial confidence to traders operating within the market environment.

Former Senator Matthew Urhoghide equally commended the Governor for restoring economic activities in the area, noting that the rebuilt market has revived hope and renewed confidence among traders and residents.

The reconstruction of Oba Market is widely regarded as one of the landmark urban renewal and commercial infrastructure projects undertaken by the current administration in Edo State.

The statement was issued by , Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Friday, May 22, 2026.