Oyo govt denies converting Gbagi Market car park into shops

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo State Government has refuted claims that it converted the car park at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, into shops or exploited traders in the process. The government described the reports as false, misleading, and politically motivated.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, clarified that the redevelopment of Gbagi Market is a structured and phased project being executed in partnership with market leadership and zonal traders’ associations.

Adebisi explained that the area in question was never a designated car park but an underutilized space frequently used for illegal vending. According to him, the government approved the development of formal shops on the land after consultations with key stakeholders to improve order and security within the market.

He emphasized that the main vehicle parking area remains intact and has not been affected by the ongoing redevelopment. He further noted that the new shops are not located in the designated car park, countering online claims to the contrary.

The commissioner stated that all shop allocations followed a transparent and documented process, coordinated by the market leadership and relevant government agencies. He added that interested traders were informed in advance and given the option to participate or decline, contrary to allegations of secret or forced payments.

“No trader is being displaced unfairly, and the redevelopment is guided by a master plan agreed upon by all stakeholders,” Adebisi said. He urged the public to disregard the misleading reports and remain calm, as the government continues efforts to upgrade the market responsibly.

Supporting the government’s position, the Chairman of the Zonal Caretaker Committee at Bola Ige Market, Alhaji Adetonan Morufu, appeared on a radio programme in Ibadan, where he dismissed the allegations and confirmed that traders were fully involved in the redevelopment process.

The statement concluded with a call for responsible reporting from media outlets. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who co-signed the release, warned that unverified reports could incite unrest and misinform the public, stressing the need for journalists and bloggers to confirm facts before publication.