Oyo Govt moves to ban Sunday trading at popular Gbagi Market
The Oyo State Government has announced plans to enforce the ban on Sunday trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, in Ibadan. The enforcement is set to begin on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, during a press briefing at his office in the State Secretariat, Ibadan, on Thursday.
According to Adebisi, the enforcement is aimed at curbing the rising insecurity within the market, noting that criminal elements have been exploiting the reduced trading activities on Sundays to carry out illicit activities.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with market leaders and key stakeholders. He emphasized that the Sunday trading ban is not a new policy, but rather a long-standing directive that had not been adequately enforced in recent times.
“Unfortunately, some traders have continued to flout this directive, which has led to a rise in security concerns,” Adebisi said. “We cannot allow a few individuals to tarnish the image of this important commercial hub. This enforcement is a joint decision with the market leadership and is necessary to safeguard lives and property.”
To ensure compliance, a task force will be deployed every Sunday to monitor and prevent any business operations during the restricted period.
The Commissioner assured that the government would continue to work closely with traders and market leaders to maintain a safe and orderly trading environment. He also acknowledged the cooperation and support pledged by the market leadership.
Speaking at the briefing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining order at the market. He described Gbagi Market as one of the largest commercial centres in the Southwest and urged all stakeholders to adhere to the new enforcement measures.
