The Oyo State Government has firmly denied allegations that it demolished a car park at the Bola Ige International Business Complex popularly known as Gbagi Market and extorted money from traders in the process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the government described the claims as “entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation” of a legitimate redevelopment project currently underway at the market.
Quoting the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, the statement clarified that the portion of land referenced in the reports was never an official car park but rather an underutilised area that had become vulnerable to illegal street trading and posed security concerns.
“Following broad consultation with stakeholders, it was approved for formal stall development to promote orderliness and improve access and safety within the market environment,” Adebisi explained.
He stressed that no part of the main designated vehicle parking area was affected by the new development, and that the new shops were not constructed within the core car park zone.
Refuting claims of secret allocations and forced payments, the commissioner asserted that the shop allocations were conducted through a “transparent and documented process” led by market leaders in collaboration with relevant government departments.
“Standardised shop allocation fees were communicated in advance to interested traders with options to opt in or out—there is no evidence of ‘coerced’ payments as wrongly alleged,” he said.
Adebisi assured the public that no trader will be unjustly displaced, emphasizing that the market’s redevelopment is being implemented in line with a jointly approved master plan involving the leadership of zonal traders’ associations.
The commissioner called on media houses and members of the public to fact-check before disseminating claims that could incite unrest or mislead residents.
“The general public, particularly our esteemed market stakeholders, is urged to disregard this fabrication, which is clearly being sponsored by opposition elements and detractors determined to politicise every laudable initiative of the present administration,” the statement read.
The government further advised market leaders and concerned traders to channel any grievances or questions through the Market Support Desk at the ministry or contact designated liaison officers for clarifications.
The Bola Ige International Business Complex, a major commercial hub in Ibadan, has long been the subject of infrastructure concerns. The state government says the current redevelopment effort aims to modernize facilities, improve safety, and foster structured commerce within the market.
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