The Oyo State Government has commenced the redevelopment of the historic Gbagi Market in Ibadan, replacing low-cost stalls with newly constructed modern shops. While the government labels this as "modernisation," many traders view the move as a veiled attempt at displacement, citing skyrocketing rental prices far beyond their means.

In what used to be the bustling Gbagi Market, the usual buzz of trading activities has been overtaken by the sounds of demolition and construction. For the state government, this is a step toward infrastructure upgrade. But to the affected traders, it's a troubling shift that threatens their livelihoods.

Gbagi Market—also called Oja Gbagi—is a key commercial center in Ibadan and one of the largest textile hubs in Nigeria. Beyond textiles, it also hosts traders dealing in electronics, groceries, traditional crafts, and various consumer goods. Its vibrant atmosphere has historically attracted both sellers and buyers from across the country and the West African sub-region.

However, concerns are mounting as long-time traders are being forced out. The newly built shops reportedly come with hefty price tags that many small-scale vendors simply cannot afford.

Displacement and Despair

Ahmed Alasepe, a 35-year-old trader, used to run a modest clothing shop in Gbagi, paying N100,000 annually. Today, he finds himself farming in Eruwa—not by choice, but because he could not meet the new demand of N2.5 million for a shop space.

“I was doing well selling clothes. Then they came and told us the shops would be demolished and replaced. When they asked for N2.5 million, I knew I couldn’t continue,” Alasepe said.

His experience is not unique. Another trader, Wasiu Olawuyi, once rented a large container shop for N25,000. Now, he says he’s being asked to pay N1.6 million for a much smaller 5×10 shop.

“My entire stock isn’t even worth half a million,” he lamented. “We voted for this government, and now they’re turning their backs on us in favor of the rich.”

A woman trader, who identified herself as Moyosore, said she had no choice but to take out a N5 million loan—with N1 million interest—just to keep her space.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said tearfully. “I was barely surviving on the previous rent. Now, they gave me a tiny space for millions, and told me if I didn’t pay, someone else would get it.”

Mounting Frustration

Tensions have escalated within the market as the old stalls are demolished and replaced with shops many say are unaffordable. Traders report that spaces which once cost N20,000 to N30,000 are now being offered for between N1.6 million and N7.5 million.

There are also complaints about the reconfiguration of the market layout. Some claim that areas previously designated for customer car parking are being turned into shop spaces.

The growing discontent came to a head earlier in the week when traders staged a protest. Holding placards, elderly vendors, women, and apprentices appealed for intervention, with messages like “Governor Seyi Makinde, please come to our rescue” and “Save us from the destroyers—they’ve taken the car park!”

One woman, speaking anonymously, said they were informed there would be no more dedicated car parking. “They told us cars should park along the expressway. But what if someone gets hit or there’s an emergency?”

A Market in Disarray

A visit to the market revealed a chaotic environment. Walkways have been obstructed by ongoing construction, and the Rounda and Ita Wewe sections are now overcrowded. Customers' vehicles now line the Old and New Ife Expressways, causing traffic bottlenecks, while roadside traders operate just inches from speeding cars.

“I couldn’t afford a shop inside,” said Mama Sukurat, a foodstuffs trader who now sells by the roadside. “But I have to eat and feed my family.”

The relocation has also raised safety concerns. Trader Toun Adewuyi said, “They’re even planning to build on the current temporary car parking space.”

Another stakeholder, Mr. Adeoti, warned: “A market without car parks is like a house without doors. It endangers everyone. Fire trucks or ambulances can’t get in if there’s an emergency.”

Concerns have also been raised about the quality of the new structures. One trader, Taoreed, expressed skepticism. “They didn’t dig proper foundations for these new shops. It’s worrying.”

Government's Position

The Oyo State Government has defended the project, stating that the redevelopment is part of a larger initiative to upgrade public infrastructure across the state.

In a recent statement, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, denied claims that car parks were being converted into shops or that traders were being extorted through opaque allocation practices.

According to him, “No part of the designated car park has been taken over. The new shops are not built within the core parking area.” He also maintained that the allocation process was transparent and coordinated in collaboration with market leaders and relevant government departments.

He insisted that traders were informed of the shop costs in advance and were free to opt in or out. “There is no evidence that anyone was forced to pay,” the statement read.

However, efforts to obtain further clarification from the ministry regarding the cost of the shops, structural safety, and parking concerns yielded no response. Attempts to reach the commissioner directly were unsuccessful, and inquiries directed to the ministry's press officer have not yet received a reply as of the time of this report.