Gov. Okpebholo the Builder: Restoring the Soul of Oba Market Through Purposeful Leadership
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commenced the full restoration of the historic Oba Market in Benin City, fulfilling a key promise of his administration and reaffirming his commitment to revitalizing Edo’s urban identity. The market, one of the oldest and most iconic commercial hubs in southern Nigeria, was gutted by a fire in 2020 and has since remained in ruins its ashes a painful reminder of lost livelihoods and abandoned heritage.
With the recent approval by the State Executive Council, the long-awaited reconstruction is now set in motion. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu, announced the decision following a Council meeting, describing the market’s rehabilitation as “a priority project that speaks to the soul of the city and the governor’s deep concern for the economic wellbeing of the people.”
Traders and stakeholders who once occupied the vibrant stalls of Oba Market have welcomed the announcement with hope and relief. During a recent inspection of the site by officials from the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency, Managing Director Hon. Okoyomoh Bawa Mohammed assured traders that every effort would be made to minimize disruption. He noted that the market would be temporarily shut down to facilitate safe and efficient construction, but emphasized that all traders would be duly returned to their original spaces upon completion.
The contract for the project has been awarded to Astral Standard Vision Ltd, a firm known for its record in urban redevelopment. The reconstructed Oba Market is expected to feature modern facilities that blend functionality with cultural preservation—offering a safer, cleaner, and more organized marketplace while retaining the historic essence that defines it.
For Governor Okpebholo, this project is more than an infrastructural intervention; it is a statement of leadership. Since taking office, he has pledged to build a government rooted in action, not rhetoric. The Oba Market reconstruction is one of several initiatives under his broader urban renewal strategy, which also includes the approval of road networks, drainage works, and the development of a second flyover at Adesuwa Junction in Benin City.
Observers say the governor’s approach reflects a clear departure from past delays and bureaucratic inertia that left critical projects in limbo. By fast-tracking such a vital reconstruction, he is not only restoring a market but also rekindling the spirit of enterprise and culture that the space represents.
Traders have expressed appreciation for the inclusive approach of the administration. During consultations, many commended the government’s transparency and assured cooperation throughout the transition period. The market, which housed thousands of traders and served as a central hub of commerce, is expected to return to its former vibrancy and even surpass it.
As construction begins, expectations are high. The people of Benin City are watching closely, not just for the rebirth of Oba Market, but for what it signals: a purposeful leadership that acts, rebuilds, and restores hope one project at a time.
