Paper short abstract:

Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, Oyo state government embarked on aggressive urban renewal and cleanliness to meet global standards, attract foreign investment and create a new business environment for the emerging consumption market in Ibadan.

Paper long abstract:

Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, Oyo state government embarked on aggressive urban renewal and cleanliness to meet global standards, attract foreign investment and create a new business environment for the emerging consumption market in Ibadan. The urban renewal project transformed social and economic history of Ibadan. This paper explores how government policies of urban renewal clashed with the economic aspirations of the poor in the making of everyday livelihoods on the streets and stalls. It is argued that urban renewal programmes has been counter-productive by constraining the economic empowerment of the poor and deepening poverty level. The city beautification project led to the demolition of shops in major markets in Ibadan, including Dugbe, Ogunpa, Ifeleye, Iwo-Road and Eleyele. This generated grievances among petty traders and entrepreneurs who were rendered jobless or forced to relocate to less lucrative parts of the city. A new narrative of claims to the city of Ibadan was echoed. On the other hand, during the last decade, Ibadan has witnessed unprecedented development ultra-modern consumption markets such as shopping malls, fast food joints and relaxation centres. This paper investigates the displacement of traders in the urban renewal project, re-emergence of urban middle class and the social consequences of the emerging consumption markets.