Oyo: Stop Erasing Our Market Heritage – David Oluokun Tells Makinde

Elder David Oluokun, the Coordinator of the BSA Voice of Reason and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has alleged the administration governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, 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.

Oluokun, the state RHAIN coordinator, expressed concern over the reported changes to markets such as Gbagi, Agbeni, Ogunpa and Bodija. He described 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.

Oluokun 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.

Oluokun specifically identified Gbagi International Market as a major example of what he described as the deterioration of Oyo State’s historic commercial centres.

Oluokun 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.

Oluokun 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 Oluokun, the situation could discourage customers, reduce commercial activities and gradually erode the historical identity that had distinguished the market over the years.

On the alleged high cost of shops, the social critic and development communicator, 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.

Oluokun further raised concerns about the allocation process, calling for transparency and accountability in the management of market facilities developed with public resources.

rs’ Protest

While 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.

Oluokun 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.

Oluokun 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.

Calling 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.

Oluokun 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.

Oluokun 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.

Issued by: BSA Voice of Reason Media & RHAIN Coordinator.