Hon. Babajide Gabriel, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North II Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has raised fresh concerns over the long-abandoned Agbowo Shopping Complex, describing the delay in its redevelopment as a significant loss to the state.
Speaking on the floor of the House during Friday’s plenary, Hon. Babajide expressed disappointment that six years after the state government announced plans to rehabilitate the once-vibrant complex, it remains non-functional and locked in a state of inertia.
According to him, It’s been six years since work was said to have started at Agbowo Shopping Complex, and till today, there is nothing to show. He added that the state is bleeding revenue from a facility that should be driving economic activity in Ibadan North.
The Agbowo Shopping Complex, located opposite the University of Ibadan, was a key commercial hub in the 1990s but has since become a symbol of neglect. In 2020, the state government had signed an agreement with a private developer to transform the complex into a modern commercial and hospitality centre. However, little progress has been made since then.
Babajide warned that continued delays in the project would further deprive the state of much-needed internally generated revenue and opportunities for local economic development. He emphasized that his concern isn’t just about Ibadan North; it’s about the state losing out on a valuable asset. “Imagine the jobs, businesses, and taxes that complex could generate if it was up and running,” he added.
The lawmaker also used the opportunity to highlight the poor condition of roads in his constituency, with particular emphasis on the Ashi-Bodija and Agbowo axis. He urged the Governor to prioritise infrastructural rehabilitation in the areas.
