David Oluokun accuses Makinde’s government of threatening Oyo’s market heritage, alleging that public facilities are being converted into shops.
The administration of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been accused of undermining the historical significance and commercial viability of major markets across the state through the alleged conversion of walkways, car parks and public convenience facilities into shops.
The allegation was made by the BSA Voice of Reason Media & RHAIN Coordinator, David Oluokun, who expressed concern over the reported changes to markets such as Gbagi, Agbeni, Ogunpa and Bodija, describing them as a threat to the state’s commercial heritage and the economic well-being of traders.
According to Oluokun, the markets were established by previous generations as centres of commerce, culture and social interaction, with facilities designed to ensure accessibility, convenience and an enabling environment for traders and customers.
He argued that the alleged conversion of essential public facilities into commercial spaces had undermined the original planning of the markets and raised questions about the state government’s approach to market development.
Gbagi market’s heritage under threat
Oluokun identified Gbagi International Market as a major example of what he described as the deterioration of Oyo State’s historic commercial centres.
He noted that the market had attracted traders and customers from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries because of its reputation as a major textile trading destination.
However, he alleged that the conversion of parking spaces, walkways and toilet facilities into shops had compromised the market’s accessibility and convenience.
He questioned how traders and customers travelling from outside Ibadan could continue to patronise the market if adequate parking spaces and essential public facilities were no longer available.
According to him, the situation could discourage customers, reduce commercial activities and gradually erode the historical identity that had distinguished the market over the years.
Alleged high cost of shops raises concerns
The critic also faulted the reported sale prices of shops in the markets, alleging that some units were being offered for between ₦2 million and ₦3 million.
He argued that the prices could exclude small-scale traders and market women who lacked the financial capacity to acquire the shops.
Oluokun questioned whether the pricing structure adequately considered the interests of ordinary traders, particularly those operating with limited capital.
He further raised concerns about the allocation process, calling for transparency and accountability in the management of market facilities developed with public resources.
Gbagi traders’ protest
Referring to the reported protest by some traders at Gbagi Market, Oluokun alleged that individuals who had paid for shop allocations were dissatisfied with the process and the lack of progress they claimed to have experienced.
He said some traders had reportedly borrowed money, including loans from microfinance institutions, to meet the alleged payment demands but were subsequently left uncertain about the status of their allocations.
He called for clarification regarding the allocation process, the status of payments made by affected traders and the government’s plans to address their grievances.
The allegations, if substantiated, raise questions about the management of public market infrastructure, the protection of traders’ investments and the need to preserve facilities essential to commercial activities.
Call for government intervention
Oluokun urged the Oyo State Government to address the concerns surrounding market development, particularly the preservation of parking spaces, walkways and public convenience facilities.
He also called on Ibadan indigenes, market associations and other stakeholders to engage the government on measures to protect the historical significance and commercial value of the state’s major markets.
He maintained that market redevelopment should improve trading conditions, expand economic opportunities and protect the interests of small-scale traders rather than create additional financial burdens for them.
Describing the situation as a potential threat to Oyo State’s commercial heritage, Oluokun urged the government to provide clarity on the allegations and ensure that market development projects serve the broader public interest.
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