Traders under the Agbajowo Dealers and Artisans Market Association at Owode Onirin, Lagos State, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene as land grabbers threaten to take over their legally allocated market space.
The association also urged Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and other government officials to step in and prevent the unlawful takeover of their trading site.
Chairman of the association, Engr. Thaddeus Idaewor, raised the alarm during a press conference held at the market over the weekend, stating that more than 5,000 traders risk losing their means of livelihood due to the planned demolition of the market.
According to Idaewor, despite assurances from lawmakers following their protest at the Governor’s Office and the State House of Assembly, no concrete action has been taken to halt the land grabbers.
“We are calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the State House of Assembly, and other relevant authorities to intervene before we are forcefully evicted. If over 5,000 traders lose their businesses, it will lead to untold hardship,” he said.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, noting that the market plays a vital role in the local economy and should not be taken over by private interests.
Supporting the call, a member of the Elder’s Council, Moshood Tijani, confirmed that the market association possesses legal documents for the site.
“We heard rumors that the land grabbers are planning another move after their failed attempt last September. That’s why we are calling for urgent government intervention before it’s too late,” Tijani stated.
The traders remain on high alert, hoping for swift action from the authorities to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods.
