Oyo Govt Debunks Plan To Close Bola Ige Market, Assures Traders Of Stability
The Oyo State Government, on Sunday, dismissed speculation over an alleged plan to shut down the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi market, Ibadan, describing the claim as unfounded and mischievous.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, in a statement issued in Ibadan, reassured traders, shop owners, and residents that normal activities would continue at the market on Monday and beyond.
Adebisi described the reports of an imminent closure as “false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by unscrupulous elements to incite fear and cause unnecessary tension within the business community.”
He said, “The Bola Ige International Business Complex remains a hub of commercial activities in Oyo State, and at no point did government contemplate shutting it down. Traders and the general public are therefore urged to disregard this misleading information being peddled by mischief-makers. Normal activities will continue without any hindrance.”
The commissioner, however, noted that government was aware of certain exploitative practices within the complex, especially where some elderly shop owners allegedly allotted spaces in front of their shops to petty traders for financial gains, sometimes measuring out portions with rulers.
He explained that steps were already being taken to address such practices in a fair and balanced manner, stressing that the state remained committed to ensuring that the business environment in Ibadan and across Oyo was conducive for legitimate commerce.
Adebisi added, “Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration will not take any decision capable of crippling economic activities in the state. Instead, we are committed to protecting the interests of all categories of traders and creating an enabling atmosphere for business to thrive.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Olajide Okesade, reaffirmed government’s stance, saying adequate security measures had been put in place to forestall any breakdown of order at the market.
“The ministry wishes to assure all traders, customers, and stakeholders that there will be no closure of the Bola Ige International Business Complex on Monday. The rumour is unfounded and everyone should go about their normal business without fear,” he said.
The government, therefore, appealed to the public to ignore falsehoods and rely solely on official statements from relevant authorities on matters affecting markets and business complexes in the state.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
