Oyo State Government Denies Extortion Allegations in Gbagi Market Redevelopment

The Oyo State Government has dismissed claims that it replaced the car park at Gbagi Market with new shops and extorted money from traders. The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, described the allegations as false and mischievous.

According to Adebisi, the redevelopment project is a well-planned initiative aimed at promoting orderliness and improving access and safety within the market environment.

The government consulted with stakeholders before approving the formal stall development on an underutilized area prone to illegal vending and security risks.

The commissioner assured that the main designated car park remains intact and that allocations of new shops were made through a transparent and documented process. He emphasized that no trader would be unjustly displaced and that the project will be executed in line with the master plan agreed upon with market stakeholders.

Adebisi urged the public and media outlets to verify facts before spreading reports that could incite public unrest or mislead residents. The government encouraged market leaders and traders to channel concerns or inquiries to the designated liaison officers.

The government attributed the false allegations to opposition elements and detractors seeking to politicize the initiative. The public has been advised to disregard the fabrication and instead focus on the benefits of the redevelopment project.