Civil society organisations and traders from Orilowo Perishable Food Market, Agboyi-Ketu, Lagos, conducted a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeking clarification regarding the status of the market site.
The protesters alleged that despite meeting with the area development council, their plea for a market site remained unaddressed. They were pushing for a resolution on the designated area for the market.
Mr. Dele Oshinowo, the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, countered the protesters’ claims, stating that he had not engaged with the group to discuss a market site. He emphasised that the contested area was not designated for market purposes and had not undergone the necessary procedures to be used as such.
Oshinowo highlighted ongoing issues, indicating clashes between plantain sellers that escalated into a conflict. He questioned the rationale behind the protest and the absence of prior engagement with him concerning the matter.
Acknowledging the Lagos State House of Assembly’s call for a meeting, Oshinowo assured that stakeholders would address the situation at hand.
During the protest, the Centre for Human And Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) presented various placards, expressing demands such as market approval and intervention from authorities to secure their space.
CHSR President Alex Omoteshinse, leading the demonstrators, emphasized that a petition had been forwarded to the Speaker of the House, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, outlining their grievances.
Mr. Isiaka Abdullahi, Chairman of Orilowo Perishable Food Market, emphasised that the association had appropriately registered the market, seeking acknowledgement and approval from the authorities.
Responding on behalf of the Speaker, Mr. Noheem Adams, the Majority Leader of the House, confirmed that the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was actively handling the matter. He assured the stakeholders that a meeting had been scheduled for January 9, involving representatives from the traders and other involved parties.
Adams reiterated the Speaker’s commitment to the welfare of Lagos residents and commended the peaceful conduct of the protesters.
