The Oyo State Government has announced the formal enforcement of a ban on Sunday trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, effective Sunday, July 27, 2025.
This decision was disclosed by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, during a media briefing held at his office in the Secretariat, Ibadan.
According to the Commissioner, the enforcement became necessary following rising concerns over insecurity and lawlessness within the market on Sundays, when commercial activity is relatively low. He revealed that criminal elements have been exploiting the low traffic to perpetrate nefarious acts, threatening the safety of traders and customers.
“We cannot fold our arms and allow the hard-earned reputation of this great market to be tarnished by the activities of a few criminally-minded individuals,” Adebisi stated.
He noted that the Sunday trading ban was not a new directive, as market leaders had earlier instituted it voluntarily to maintain order. However, persistent violation by some traders prompted the government’s intervention and decision to back the policy with formal enforcement.
A dedicated task force will be deployed every Sunday to ensure total compliance, and violators will face appropriate sanctions under existing regulations.
“This is a government-supported measure designed to reinforce the market’s existing rules and protect law-abiding traders,” Adebisi added.
The Commissioner also emphasized that the decision followed a series of consultations with market leaders and stakeholders, who have pledged their full support for the enforcement.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, underscored the need for shared responsibility between the government and the trading community in maintaining law and order.
“The Bola Ige International Business Complex remains one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Southwest. Ensuring its security is a shared priority,” Okesade said.
The government has called on all traders and members of the public to comply fully with the directive in the interest of public safety and market integrity.
