By Peter Omopo
Ibadan, July 30, 2025 – The Oyo State Government has refuted claims circulating in some quarters that it has converted the car park at the Bola Ige International Business Complex—popularly known as Gbagi Market—into shops and extorted money from traders under the guise of allocations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on behalf of the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, the government described the allegation as “false, mischievous, and a calculated misrepresentation of facts.”
Adebisi clarified that the redevelopment of Gbagi Market is part of a phased and carefully planned initiative led by the state, in collaboration with the market leadership and zonal traders’ associations. He explained that the area in question was never a designated car park, but rather an underutilized space vulnerable to illegal trading activities and potential security threats.
He added that following extensive consultations with stakeholders, the land was approved for development into formal stalls to bring order and enhance safety in the market.
“No part of the main, officially designated car park has been tampered with,” Adebisi stated. “The new shops are situated outside the core vehicle parking zone, and allocations were not done in secret or overnight. The process was transparent, documented, and coordinated with trader leadership and appropriate government agencies.”
The commissioner also debunked reports of extortion, noting that interested traders were informed ahead of time about standardised allocation fees and given the freedom to accept or decline without any form of coercion.
He assured that no trader would be displaced unjustly, affirming that the redevelopment plan aligns with a master plan endorsed by all key stakeholders within the market community.
The statement further warned against the spread of misinformation, which the government says is being propagated by “opposition elements and detractors bent on politicising every progressive step taken by the current administration.”
Market stakeholders and the public were advised to verify any concerns through the Ministry’s Market Support Desk or contact designated liaison officers directly.
“The public is urged to disregard the baseless claims and continue to support the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring a conducive environment for commerce in Oyo State,” the statement concluded.
