AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
An African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, has described the recent fire outbreak at the popular Bode Market in Ibadan as unfortunate, shocking and deeply saddening.
Adeduntan made the remark during a visit to the market to commiserate with affected traders and community leaders following the incident, which reportedly destroyed goods worth millions of naira.
He urged the victims to remain steadfast and take solace in God, expressing hope that they would recover from their losses and rebuild their businesses again.
The politician, whose late mother traded at Bode Market for many years, donated an undisclosed sum to support the affected traders and pledged to do more as resources become available.
Speaking during the visit, Adeduntan recalled his personal connection to the market, noting that his upbringing was closely tied to the proceeds of his mother’s trading activities.
“My mother was a trader in this market. She raised me with the proceeds from her business here after my father died when I was very young. Many people saw me as a poor child with little prospect, but today I am a successful specialist cardiovascular surgeon.
“I sincerely sympathise with the traders and market leaders over this unfortunate incident. It is a huge tragedy, and I feel the pain personally because this market played a significant role in my upbringing.
“I pray that such an incident never happens again at Bode Market. May God grant the affected traders the strength, courage and resources to recover quickly and return to their businesses,” he said.
Addressing market executives led by the Baba Oloja and Iya Oloja of Bode Market, Adeduntan, a former Commissioner for Health in Oyo State and the Otun Bashorun of Ibadanland, said his intervention was driven by his commitment to humanitarian service and his emotional attachment to the market through his late mother.
He also prayed against a recurrence of the disaster and encouraged traders to remain hopeful, resilient and united despite the setback.
In their response, the Baba Oloja and Iya Oloja of Bode Market expressed appreciation for Adeduntan’s visit and support, praying for the success of his governorship ambition.
