Gbawojo, Sango Markets in Saki as Case Studies, Protection of Oke-Ogun’s Commercial Heritage
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 David Oluokun, who expressed concern over the reported changes to markets such as Gbagi, Agbeni, Ogunpa and Bodija in Ibadan, describing the development as a threat to the state’s commercial heritage and the economic well-being of traders.
Oluokun maintained that the concerns were not limited to Ibadan, alleging that similar developments were affecting some markets across the Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa areas of the state.
He specifically cited Gbawojo Market and Sango Market in Saki, noting that the management and redevelopment of markets across the state should be guided by the need to preserve their historical significance, accessibility and commercial viability.
According to him, markets established by previous generations were designed to serve as centres of commerce, cultural interaction and economic activities, with essential facilities to accommodate traders and customers.
He argued that any redevelopment initiative that compromised access routes, parking spaces and public conveniences risked defeating the original purpose of such markets.
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 reported 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.
Concerns Over Markets in Oke-Ogun, Other Areas
Extending his concerns beyond Ibadan, Oluokun said markets in Oke-Ogun and other parts of Oyo State should not be overlooked in discussions about market redevelopment and the preservation of commercial heritage.
He cited Gbawojo Market and Sango Market in Saki as examples of markets whose development and management deserved attention, alongside markets in Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa.
He stressed that market redevelopment should not be assessed solely by the number of shops constructed or the revenue generated from their allocation but also by its impact on traders, customers and the wider community.
According to him, adequate parking spaces, accessible walkways, sanitation facilities and other public amenities remain essential to the effective functioning of markets.
He urged the state government and relevant authorities to ensure that redevelopment projects across the various geopolitical zones of the state did not undermine the commercial interests of the people they were intended to serve.
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 such 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 concerns surrounding market development across the state, particularly the preservation of parking spaces, walkways and public convenience facilities.
He also called on market associations, community leaders, traders and other stakeholders across Ibadan, Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa to engage the government on measures to protect the historical significance and commercial value of their markets.
He maintained that market redevelopment should improve trading conditions, expand economic opportunities and protect the interests of small-scale traders rather than impose additional financial burdens on them.
Oluokun stressed that the government should provide clarification on the allegations and ensure that market development projects serve the broader public interest.
He concluded that preserving the state’s commercial heritage required a development approach that balanced infrastructure expansion with accessibility, affordability, sanitation and the welfare of traders.
David Oluokun is the BSA Voice of Reason Media and RHAIN Coordinator.