Owode-Onirin Traders Decry Demolition Of Market

Traders at the Owode International Motor Spare Parts’ Dealers market in Owode-Onirin have accused the Lagos State government of intentionally demolishing their market, calling it a conspiracy at the highest levels.

The traders, speaking through their working committee led by Abiodun Hameed, described the government’s action as deliberate and backed by state machinery, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Task Force, Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade, the Nigerian Army and the Police.

Members of the working committee, led by Abiodun Hameed, a traders’ representative, dismissed the claim, describing it as misleading and inconsistent with the facts.

Hameed stated that the market, established over 60 years ago, was officially relocated to its current site in 1979 following the government’s acquisition of the original land, with assistance from a former governor.

He also emphasised that traders had always complied with laws, paid taxes and conducted their business peacefully.

He also stated that the attempt to demolish the market began about two years ago during the tenure of the chairman of Agboyi-Ketu local council, Mr Dele Osinowo, leading to efforts to formalise their land documents, including a Certificate of Occupancy dated August 1, 2024, which confirmed land allocation by a former governor.

The traders claimed that the demolition involved several state agencies, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the State Task Force, Kick Against Indiscipline, the Nigerian Army, and the police, with hundreds of armed officers present, emphasising that it was a top-level operation using government machinery.

Hameed alleged that, “Despite petitions and peaceful protests, including demonstrations in March and October 2025, the traders received no response, and a protest by Lagos residents was violently dispersed, with tear gas and injuries reported.”

He called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and Nigerians to intervene, lamenting the ignored petitions.

Hameed insisted that they are legitimate residents who pay dues and possess valid documents, asking that the market be left intact to sustain their lawful livelihoods.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing Engr Ariori Oluwasegun Owolabi denied his client’s involvement in the recent violence, which caused three deaths.

Owolabi explained that the disputed land belongs to the Olowu family, which obtained valid court judgments and engaged Ariori to enforce those orders, acting lawfully with police participation in earlier enforcement actions.

He stated that both the government and traders recognised that Ariori and the Olowu family lawfully possessed the land, in accordance with court rulings, including appellate decisions.