We’re not closing Bola Ige Market – Oyo Govt
The Oyo State Government has debunked widespread rumours alleging that the Bola Ige International Business Complex, Gbagi, Ibadan, would be shut down on Monday, stressing that the complex remains fully open for business.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, described the speculation as false, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to incite fear within the business community.
“The Bola Ige International Business Complex remains a hub of commercial activities in Oyo State, and at no time did government contemplate shutting it down. Normal activities will continue on Monday and beyond,” Adebisi assured.
He urged traders, shop owners, and members of the public to disregard the rumour, which he said was being spread by mischief-makers to disrupt peace and business operations.
The Commissioner also addressed concerns about alleged exploitative practices within the market, where some senior shop owners reportedly lease out spaces in front of their shops to petty traders, often charging fees after measuring the portions with rulers.
He noted that the government was already taking steps to regulate such practices in a fair and balanced manner, to protect all categories of traders and ensure a conducive trading environment.
“The Makinde-led administration is committed to providing an enabling environment for commerce to thrive. We will not take any decision that could cripple business activities in the state,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, reaffirmed the government’s position, adding that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee peace and order at the business complex.
“There will be no closure of the Bola Ige International Business Complex. Traders and customers should go about their normal business without fear,” Okesade emphasized.
In his endorsement of the ministry’s clarification, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, appealed to the public to rely on verified information from government agencies rather than unverified reports.
He stressed that the state government remains focused on protecting the interests of traders, customers, and stakeholders across all markets and business complexes in Oyo State.
