By Lukman Olabiyi
Traders and artisans at the popular Lagos market, Owode Onirin Market have called on President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene in an alleged attempt by land grabbers to take control of their market.
The traders and artisans under the umbrella of Agbajowo Dealers and Artisans Market, Owode Onirin are accusing suspected land grabbers of using security agents and street urchins to threaten them.
The market, a key hub for building material, motor spare part, industrial equipment and others, is reportedly being targeted by land grabbers, raising fears among concerned stakeholders of losing their means of livelihood.
They therefore called on both the federal and state governments to step in and protect their businesses from unlawful encroachment.
They said despite the ongoing court case over the issue of ownership land grabbers had continued to displace the market tenants.
At a press conference, Mr. Thaddeus Idaewor, the spokesperson for the market vendors, explained that the market had been in existence for over 40 years and was originally allocated to them by the state government. He further stated that the allocation was made under the leadership of former military administrator Gbolahan Mudasiru, who provided the necessary legal documentation for the establishment of the market.
Supporting Idaewor’s account, Tijani Moshood highlighted several instances when land grabbers aided by law enforcement officers attempted to demolish the market.