By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
— Denies converting car park to shops, calls claims false and inciteful
The Oyo State Government has categorically dismissed circulating claims that it has replaced the car park at the popular Bola Ige International Business Complex—also known as Gbagi Market—with new shops and collected money from traders through underhanded means.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, and made available to Newspot Nigeria, the government described the claims as “entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation” of its ongoing redevelopment efforts in the market.
The controversy, initially sparked by an online blog post and amplified on social media, alleged that the government had eliminated the market’s car park overnight and extorted money from traders by converting the space into shop stalls.
Responding to the allegations, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, clarified that the specific portion of land in question was never an officially designated car park but rather an “underutilized area” that had become prone to illegal vending and security concerns.
Adebisi explained that the redevelopment initiative—currently underway in phases—is being executed transparently and in collaboration with key stakeholders, including zonal trader associations and the market leadership. “No part of the main designated car park has been taken over or eliminated,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the process for allocating new shop spaces was not clandestine or rushed. “Allocations were not made secretly or overnight, but through a transparent and documented process, coordinated by the leadership of the traders and relevant government departments,” Adebisi noted.
The Commissioner also debunked the notion of coerced payments, insisting that “standardized shop allocation fees were communicated in advance” and traders had the freedom to participate or decline.
He reassured the public that “no trader will be unjustly displaced,” stressing that the entire effort aligns with a master redevelopment plan jointly agreed upon by all key stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Zonal Caretaker Leaders of Bola Ige Market, Alhaji Adetonan Morufu, also dismissed the allegations during a radio programme in Ibadan on Wednesday, reinforcing the government’s account and encouraging traders to remain calm.
Oyo State urged the media and the public to verify information before spreading it, warning that false reports can trigger unnecessary unrest and politicize well-intentioned projects.
For further inquiries, market stakeholders are advised to reach out to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry via its Market Support Desk or designated liaison officers.
Below is the full official press release from the Oyo State Government, as obtained by Newspot Nigeria:
Press Release
Oyo Govt Debunks Claims On Converting Bola Ige Market Carpark To Shops
…says upgrade is transparent, collaborative
The Oyo State Government has debunked allegations that it has replaced the car park at Bola Ige international business complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market with new shops and extorted money from unsuspecting traders, overnight.
This misleading report was published by a certain online blog and subsequently circulated on social media.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon Adeniyi Adebisi, said the claim is entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation of an ongoing, well-planned redevelopment project.
He said the Gbagi market redevelopment effort is being spearheaded in phases by the Oyo State Government, under the supervision of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, in close partnership with the market leadership and representatives of zonal traders’ associations.
Mr. Adebisi said the portion of land being referred to was not an official car park but an underutilized area, prone to illegal vending and security risks.
The Commissioner said following broad consultation with stakeholders, it was approved for formal stall development to promote orderliness and improve access and safety within the market environment.
“Furthermore, No part of the main designated car park has been taken over or eliminated. The new shops are not situated in the core vehicle parking zone,” he said.
“Allocations were not made secretly or overnight, but through a transparent and documented process, coordinated by the leadership of the traders and relevant government departments.
“Standardized 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 reiterated that no trader will be unjustly displaced, and the project will be executed in line with the master plan agreed upon with all key market stakeholders.
Adebisi urged members of the public, particularly media outlets, to verify facts before spreading reports capable of inciting public unrest or misleading residents.
He also encouraged Market leaders and traders to channel concerns or inquiries to the Market Support Desk at the Ministry or reach out directly to the designated liaison officers.
According to him, “the general public, particularly our esteemed market stakeholders, are urged to disregard this fabrication, which is clearly being sponsored by opposition elements and detractors determined to politicize every laudable initiative of the present administration.”
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Zonal caretaker Leaders’ Bola Ige international business complex, Gbagi Ibadan, Alhaji Adetonan Morufu who featured on a radio station programme in Ibadan on Wednesday, firmly debunked the allegations and clarified the facts behind the redevelopment effort.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
July 30, 2025
— Report by Newspot Nigeria
