By Lukman Olabiyi
Traders and artisans at the popular Owode Onirin Market in Lagos are urgently seeking intervention from President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over 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 pleading passionately with the former governor of the state, President Tinubu, and the current governor, Sanwo-Olu, to come to their rescue from desperate land grabbers accused of using security agents and street urchins to threaten them.
The market, a key hub for building materials, motor spare parts, industrial equipment, and more, is reportedly being targeted by the land grabbers, raising fears among the vendors of losing their livelihoods.
In response, the traders and artisans are calling on both the federal and state governments to step in and protect their businesses from unlawful encroachment.
Representatives from the market have expressed growing concern over the intimidation tactics employed by the alleged land grabbers, who are attempting to seize the property for personal gain. Despite an ongoing court case regarding the land’s ownership, the land grabbers are reportedly continuing their efforts to displace the market’s tenants.
At a press conference, traders and artisans recounted their struggles against the land grabbers, accusing them of using law enforcement officers and street urchins to threaten and harass them.
Mr Thaddeus Idaewor, a spokesperson for the market’s 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 market’s establishment.
Supporting Idaewor’s account, Tijani Moshood highlighted several instances where the land grabbers, aided by law enforcement officers and street urchins, attempted to demolish the market. However, these efforts were thwarted by the local lawmaker, Hon. Femi Saheed, who intervened to protect the market.
An elderly vendor, Nusirat Oyelade, pleaded for government intervention, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to take swift action to safeguard their livelihoods and prevent further disruptions to their businesses.