Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde
By John Dike, Osogbo
Oyo State Government has dismissed circulating reports alleging that it converted the car park at the Bola Ige International Business Complex (commonly known as Gbagi Market) into shop spaces and extorted traders in the process.
It made the clarification following what it described as a misleading report published by an online blog and shared across social media platforms, which alleged overnight conversion of the market’s parking lot and secret allocation of shops.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, described the report as false, malicious, and a deliberate misrepresentation of a well-structured, phased redevelopment project aimed at modernizing the market.
According to Adebisi, the area in question is not the designated car park but an underutilized portion of land previously vulnerable to illegal trading activities and security concerns.
“No part of the core car park has been taken over or eliminated. The new shops are being developed outside the main vehicle parking zone,” he clarified.
He explained that the redevelopment of Gbagi Market is being executed under the supervision of the Ministry in close consultation with market leaders and representatives of zonal traders’ associations.
He said, “Allocations were not done secretly or overnight.
“They were handled transparently, with standardized fees and documented agreements.
“Traders were given the option to opt in or out—there was no coercion or forceful payment.”
The Commissioner stressed that no legitimate trader would be displaced unjustly and assured that the project is being implemented in accordance with the master plan agreed upon by all key stakeholders.
He urged the media and members of the public to verify information before spreading alleged falsehoods capable of causing unrest or undermining developmental efforts.
Adebisi also encouraged concerned traders and residents to contact the Market Support Desk at the Ministry or liaise directly with assigned officers for clarifications.
