Oyo State Govt to Enforce Sunday Trading Ban at Bola Ige Int'l Market

The Oyo State Government has announced it will begin strict enforcement of a ban on Sunday trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, also known as Gbagi Market, in Ibadan, effective Sunday, July 27, 2025. This decision was disclosed by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Honorable Adeniyi Adebisi, during a press briefing held on Thursday at the state secretariat.

The enforcement follows extensive consultations with market leaders and stakeholders who expressed concerns over rising insecurity at the market on Sundays when trading had previously been permitted. Criminal elements reportedly exploited the reduced crowd presence on Sundays to engage in unlawful activities, leading to increased security threats. The ban itself is not a new policy but rather the formal government-backed implementation of an already existing directive initially introduced by the market leadership to maintain order and ensure the safety of traders.

Commissioner Adebisi emphasized the government's resolve to uphold the market's reputation as a vital commercial hub and stressed that compliance would be ensured through the deployment of a dedicated task force every Sunday to prevent any form of trading or commercial activity during the restricted period. He noted, “We cannot allow a few individuals to compromise the safety of this vital commercial hub. The enforcement is necessary to safeguard lives and property.”

Market leaders have expressed full support for the government's move, indicating cooperation in the enforcement effort to restore sanity and security within the market premises. The commissioner reassured traders and customers that the government remains committed to protecting lives, businesses, and the integrity of the market environment.

This measure aligns with broader state efforts to tighten security and maintain order in commercial centers, reflecting the administration's priority on creating a safe and business-friendly environment for all stakeholders. The government’s intervention underscores an ongoing commitment to addressing criminal activities that disrupt economic activities and jeopardize the welfare of the community.