Despite concerted efforts by the Ekiti State government to ban roadside trading in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, some traders have remained adamant.
This development has become a source of concern to residents and motorists who urged government to employ a capable person for the Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency to help end the ugly trend as done during the past administration.
Recall that in January 2023, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji had said his administration would build more markets in strategic locations within the state in a bid to stop street trading and provide more facilities for commercial activities.
A visit to some areas such as Post office, Okeyimi, Old Garage, Ereguru among others shows that traders displayed their goods on the road thus preventing free flow of traffic.
It was observed that apart from causing both human and vehicular traffic in such areas, the safety of traders as well as buyers, even passersby on the roads is being put at risk as such activities could lead to fatal accident
According to some motorists, they usually found it difficult navigating through the roads thus leading to unwarranted traffic and gridlock.
A trader Seun Afolabi said that some of those selling on the roadside are shop owners inside the market, but had to bring out their wares outside where they believe they can make sales.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said roadside trading posed much danger while calling for immediate action by the state government.
They appealed to government to take urgent action regarding the ugly trend.