Oyo govt to enforce ban on Sunday trading at Gbagi Market
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The Oyo State Government has announced plans to enforce a ban on Sunday trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market in Ibadan, starting Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, disclosed this during a press briefing at his office in the State Secretariat, Ibadan, on Thursday.
Adebisi said the enforcement aims to curb rising insecurity and restore order in the market, noting that criminal elements often exploit reduced activity on Sundays to perpetrate unlawful acts.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with market leaders and stakeholders. According to him, the ban is not new but the formal implementation of an existing directive previously issued by market authorities.
“Some traders have continued to flout this directive, leading to growing security concerns,” Adebisi stated. “We cannot allow a few individuals to compromise the safety of this vital commercial hub. This enforcement is necessary to safeguard lives and property.”
To ensure compliance, a dedicated task force will be deployed every Sunday to monitor and prevent any trading activities during the restricted period.
The Commissioner added that market leaders have expressed full support for the move and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe and business-friendly environment.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, called for collective responsibility in sustaining order, describing Gbagi as one of the largest commercial hubs in the Southwest that must be protected through cooperation and discipline.
