The Oyo State Government has announced a strict enforcement of the ban on Sunday trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market in Ibadan, beginning Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at his office in the State Secretariat, Ibadan.
According to the Commissioner, the move is aimed at curbing rising security concerns and restoring order within the popular market. He revealed that the decision followed extensive consultations and engagements with market leaders and key stakeholders over a period of time.
Hon. Adebisi noted that the Sunday trading ban was originally instituted by the market leadership to ensure discipline and security. However, some traders have continued to defy the directive, leading to a surge in criminal activity during Sundays when the market is typically less crowded.
“Criminal elements have taken advantage of the reduced human presence in the market on Sundays to carry out unlawful activities,” the Commissioner said. “We cannot fold our arms and allow the hard-earned reputation of this great market to be tarnished by a few bad eggs. After careful review and dialogue with the market leadership, we have agreed on the need for strict enforcement of the existing ban.”
To ensure compliance, the state government will deploy a dedicated task force to the market every Sunday to prevent all forms of trading or business activity. Hon. Adebisi emphasized that the initiative is not a new directive, but rather a government-backed effort to reinforce a policy already adopted by the market community.
He further stressed that the safety of traders, customers, and their businesses remains a top priority for Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
“Market leaders and stakeholders have embraced this decision and pledged their cooperation,” Adebisi added. “We are simply providing the necessary enforcement to support their existing policy and protect law-abiding citizens.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility between the government and traders in maintaining peace and order within the market.
He described the Bola Ige International Business Complex as one of the largest textile and general merchandise markets in the Southwest region, adding that its strategic relevance necessitates proactive governance.
Mr. Okesade reassured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe and conducive environment for business operations.
Members of the public and the trading community have been advised to take note of the enforcement beginning July 27 and adhere strictly to the directive. Defaulters, the government warned, will face appropriate sanctions in line with existing market and state regulations.
