Seventeen months after the Ogun State Government announced plans to relocate the Kara Cattle Market along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway because of environmental and sanitation concerns, investigations by PUNCH Metro show that the market is still fully operational, with open defecation continuing along the road median.
When PUNCH Metro reporters visited the market and surrounding areas on Wednesday, they noticed that parts of the expressway median still had a strong, unpleasant smell. Fresh human waste was also seen, suggesting that open defecation is still happening in the area.
Although it was not possible to identify who was responsible for the act, the state government had earlier blamed traders in the area for the practice.
It will be recalled that following public outrage over the health risks linked to open defecation, the Ogun State Government announced plans to relocate the market to solve the problem.
However, observations by our correspondents showed disagreement over the relocation plan. While traders and market leaders insist that the relocation order has been cancelled, the state government continues to say that the directive is still valid.
Further findings on Wednesday revealed that business activities are still going on at the market, more than a year after the relocation plan was announced due to sanitation and environmental issues.
In separate interviews, some traders and market leaders claimed that the government had withdrawn the relocation order.
A roadside roasted plantain seller, who identified herself as Justina, said the market environment had improved greatly since the relocation announcement in 2024.
“The place is much better now. Before, it was very dirty, but things have improved,” she said. She also added that security agents and government officials no longer disturb traders, even though their offices are close by.
An electronics dealer, Zaid Tukur, who said he moved from the North to Ogun State about a year ago, said he had never heard of any relocation plan affecting the market.
“I have been here for about a year selling appliances, and everything has been peaceful. People no longer defecate around here because community leaders don’t allow it,” he said.
Meanwhile, a member of the market’s executive committee, who asked not to be named, claimed that the relocation order had been completely cancelled after discussions with the state government.
“I have settled everything with the Ogun State Government. There is no relocation again; it has been totally cancelled,” he said.
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He also claimed that an agreement was reached between the state government and Oluwanishola International Market, and that approval was allegedly given in January 2026 for the Kara market to continue operating.
