kakalistiq.com the long-anticipated commissioning of the newly reconstructed Ayetoro Market in Epe has been set in motion, as Rep. Wale Raji prepares to unveil close to 400 semi-lock-up shops. The federal lawmaker made the announcement during a stakeholder meeting held at his constituency office on Sunday 22nd June, 2025, where he engaged market leaders, traditional chiefs, and political stakeholders in a strategic dialogue ahead of the handover.
Ayetoro Market, which has stood for over a century, was once the bustling heart of trade for small and medium enterprises in Epe. However, years of neglect led to its deterioration, prompting its demolition during the administration of former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Although plans for reconstruction were initially announced, they were stalled following Ambode’s failure to secure a second term in office.
Now rebuilt under the facilitation of Rep. Raji, the market is equipped with modern infrastructure, including two solar-powered boreholes, solar street lighting, and public toilet facilities, designed to boost commercial activity and improve hygiene standards.
At the meeting, Rep. Raji emphasised the importance of community collaboration in preparing the market for formal commissioning. “All hands must be on deck to ensure the cleanliness of the market ahead of the commissioning,” he said.
He assured attendees that former stall owners would be prioritised during the allocation of the new shops and emphasised that no payment would be required from beneficiaries.
“The heritage markets are ancestral in terms of trading. Epe’s history without Ayetoro market is incomplete. Just as other constituents are considered in various empowerment programs, this is my empowerment for you, just as we did at Mojoda and Ito-Ikin markets,” Raji said. “So, I want you to take ownership. This can be inherited by your offspring, but cannot be sold. Let me assure you that your interest will be adequately protected, and by the special grace of God, you will get additional stalls.”
In response, the Iyaloja of Ayetoro Market, Mrs. Alausa, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the lawmaker’s efforts. She noted that the intervention had restored hope among local traders and reaffirmed that market leaders had already taken steps to ensure cleanliness and security, funding those initiatives internally.
Echoing her sentiments, the Babaloja, Chief Tajudeen Nureni, reported that their vigilance was already paying off. “Vandals of the facilities have been apprehended and are serving jail terms at Ikoyi Prisons,” he disclosed, underlining the commitment to protect public infrastructure.
Mrs. Muritala, the market’s Public Relations Officer, pledged continued support from marketers to Rep. Raji, while BOT Secretary Mr. Ogunlade Samuel emphasised the need for continued cooperation to preserve the gains made.
Rep. Raji took the opportunity to acknowledge the vital role of traditional and political leaders in the market’s revival, extending gratitude to the Oloja of Epe Land, HRM Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun; Epe Divisional Leader and GAC Member, Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu; Epe Local Government Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun; the Head of Olorituns, Chief Gberefu; and the Lapekun of Epe Land, High Chief Ajishafe, for their steadfast backing during the reconstruction.
In his remark, Hon. Kehinde Adeniyi, APC State Welfare Secretary, commended the tireless commitment of Hon. Wale Raji to the people of Epe through this historic market project. His oversight has not only revived a decaying structure but also restored economic dignity to the community, he added. “For long-term impact, we must engage all stakeholders, from market unions to traditional leaders, in charting a roadmap for the sustainability of Ayetoro Market. This is not just infrastructure; it’s a legacy we must protect for future generations,” he said.
Chief Gberefu commended the symbolic and economic importance of the project. “The market is not just a trading hub but a traditional heritage of the Epe people,” he said. He also lauded the decision to allocate the shops free of charge, calling it “a huge relief to the common man,” and urged that allocations be carefully monitored to ensure transparency and fairness.
High Chief Ajisafe echoed that view and stressed the need for the local government to actively support market security measures in preparation for commissioning.
This latest development builds on Rep. Raji’s track record not only in market rehabilitation but also a boost in the local economy. He previously facilitated the reconstruction of 120 stalls at the Mojoda Market in Eredo LCDA and 120 stalls at the Ito-Ikin Market in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA. Additional market projects under his belt include the completed Aladepekun Market, which features 48 semi-lock-up shops, and the ongoing construction of Pobo Market, which will house 72 shops and Mowowale Market with 120 stalls upon completion.
Present at the robust stakeholders’ meeting were prominent aides to Rep. Raji, including Otunba Wale Olusesi (Works), Hon. Seriki Olabowale (Political Affairs), Mr. Hassan Bashir (General Administration), and Mr. Kaka Babatunde (Youth Affairs and Media).
