The Oyo State Government has refuted claims circulating that the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, in Ibadan would be shut down on Monday.
Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, in a statement issued on Sunday, described the report as “false, baseless, and a calculated attempt to create panic among traders.”
“The Bola Ige International Business Complex remains a hub of commercial activities in Oyo State. At no time did this administration consider closing it down,” Adebisi said.
He urged members of the public to disregard the rumour, stressing that normal trading would continue without disruption.
“Those behind this misleading information are mischief-makers whose only aim is to disrupt peace and business activities. We want to assure traders and customers that business will go on as usual,” the commissioner added.
Adebisi, however, noted that the government is aware of complaints that some shop owners within the market allegedly rent out spaces in front of their shops to petty traders for financial gain. He assured that the state would look into the matter “in a fair and balanced way” to protect the interests of all categories of traders.
“The present administration under Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to creating an enabling environment for commerce to thrive. We will not take any decision capable of crippling economic activities in this state,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olajide Okesade, reaffirmed the government’s stance and disclosed that security arrangements had been made to ensure peace at the market.
“There will be no closure of the Bola Ige International Business Complex on Monday. Everyone should go about their normal business without fear. The government remains committed to protecting traders and ensuring smooth operations in all business complexes,” Okesade said.
The state government advised residents to rely on official channels for accurate information and disregard rumours intended to incite tension.