Fire Outbreak: Oyo Targets Illegal Structures, Plans Support For New Gbagi Traders
The Oyo State Government has announced plans to remove illegal structures at the Bola-Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, while considering support for traders affected by a recent fire outbreak and demolition exercise.
The government said the measures were aimed at improving emergency access, protecting lives and investments, and restoring the complex’s original master plan.
Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, disclosed this during separate meetings with affected traders and market leaders on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Thursday fire outbreak affected eight shops, although no life was lost. The incident prompted renewed concerns over the presence of illegal structures and shop extensions that reportedly obstructed firefighters’ access to some parts of the complex.
Adelabu said he had briefed Governor Seyi Makinde, the Deputy Governor and other relevant authorities about the incident, adding that the Ministry had contacted relevant emergency management agencies and stakeholders to explore possible assistance for affected traders.
He disclosed that the government was engaging the relevant insurance company and had requested affected business owners to submit their profiles and inventories of lost goods for documentation and assessment.
The Commissioner also announced plans for a panel of inquiry to investigate the latest fire outbreak and previous incidents at the complex.
He attributed some of the challenges encountered during firefighting operations to illegal structures, shanties and shop extensions obstructing access routes, warning that the government would not tolerate developments that compromise safety.
Adelabu further expressed concern over the alleged practice of some shop allottees renting their spaces to multiple traders without government approval, stressing the need for proper documentation and accountability.
He said proposals had been submitted to the Governor for consideration, including the removal of illegal structures, the provision of fire extinguishers by traders within specified timelines, and possible sanctions against defaulters.
At a separate meeting on Saturday, the Commissioner explained that the complex was developed according to an approved master plan and that structures erected on waterways, access roads and other designated public spaces would have to be removed.
He dismissed claims that the exercise targeted particular traders or shops featured in a social media video, insisting that the ongoing restructuring covered all illegal structures across the complex.
The government acknowledged that the demolished shops had been constructed by the developer engaged for the project but maintained that all structures must conform to the approved layout.
Adelabu directed affected traders to submit valid allocation documents and other relevant records for verification, assuring genuine claimants that the government would consider providing alternative shops in suitable locations within the complex.
He also denied allegations of looting during the demolition, saying the Ministry had records of affected shops and their occupants.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, said the government recognised the economic difficulties faced by traders but could not allow unauthorised structures to obstruct movement or compromise safety.
He disclosed that the Ministry was identifying suitable locations for traders who qualified for consideration, while clearance work continued on obstructed routes, including the major road from Mukaila Adebayo Mosque towards the Inuike section.
Earlier, Okesade had led Ministry officials, complex management and market leaders on an inspection of the fire-affected area, where he sympathised with the traders and reaffirmed the government’s concern.
The Babaloja-General, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, said goods worth billions of naira were reportedly lost in the fire and appealed for assistance for affected traders. He also called for sustained measures to prevent recurring fire incidents.
Similarly, the Babaloja of the complex, Alhaji Adebayo, thanked Governor Makinde and the Ministry for their intervention and expressed support for the removal of illegal structures and the ongoing reforms.
The government reiterated that the measures were intended to protect lives and investments, improve emergency access and create a safer, more orderly business environment at the complex.
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