The Incorporated Trustees of Computer Village Market Traders and Stakeholders Joint Management, representing a coalition of market associations within Computer Village, Ikeja, have issued a cease and desist notice to the Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.
The notice, dated August 28, 2024, was served by Falana and Falana’s Chambers and addresses allegations of illegal levy imposition and market disruption by Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo.
The notice details multiple grievances, including claims that Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has continued to collect unauthorized levies and disrupt market activities despite a court ruling against her. The traders allege that Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo has used thugs to interfere with their operations, a situation that contradicts a previous Ikeja High Court ruling.
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The Incorporated Trustees of Computer Village Market Traders and Stakeholders Joint Management is a legally registered entity under the Company and Allied Matters Act. It includes associations such as the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (PAPDA), the Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association (COMTEAN), and the Association of Mobile Communication Devices Engineers and Technicians (AMCODET).
In December 2020, an Ikeja High Court had issued a permanent injunction under Suit No. ID/9039MFHR/19, restraining Tinubu-Ojo and her agents from collecting levies within Computer Village due to a lack of legal authority. The traders assert that Tinubu-Ojo has disregarded this ruling, exacerbating their grievances by allegedly coercing business partners into payments and instigating disruptions.
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The cease and desist notice also challenges the legitimacy of Mrs. Abisola Azeez’s appointment as Iyaloja of Computer Village under Tinubu-Ojo’s direction, questioning her connection to the market. Furthermore, it highlights that Tinubu-Ojo’s powers under the Lagos State Market Advisory Council Law, specifically Section 8, do not extend to levies or market interference.
Falana and Falana’s Chambers have warned Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo against further interference, stating that continued violations will lead to legal action and claims for incurred costs.
This latest development underscores the ongoing struggle for control over Computer Village, one of Lagos State’s major commercial hubs. The market traders had previously opposed the appointment of an Iyaloja, arguing that Computer Village, a modern ICT market, was adequately regulated by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation without traditional oversight. The market contributes over N300 billion annually to the economy.