CHSR Condemns Unlawful Demolition of Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

:Traders call for Government intervention

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has vehemently condemned the unlawful invasion and demolition of over 500 shops at Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market and Agbajoowo Market by a group operating under the guise of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). This act, which took place on Thursday, 6th March 2025, was allegedly orchestrated by the so-called Lagos Alliance Team, with the involvement of the police, who also wrongfully arrested the Market Association Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Hammed.

The traders, who have remained law-abiding since their relocation from the Jankara Market, Lagos Island, in the early 1980s under the leadership of the late former Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, were left in devastation following the demolition.

During a press conference held on Tuesday at the Zone 4 Hall, Owode Motor Spare Parts Market, Ikorodu Road, Lagos State, the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, strongly appealed to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to urgently intervene in this dire situation.

He lamented that in a time of economic hardship, where individuals struggle to cater to their families, such destruction of businesses and livelihoods is not only unjust but also inhumane. He warned that if left unaddressed, the reckless demolition and loss of traders' goods could incite unrest among affected individuals.

Comrade Omotehinse further stated that as a civil society organisation, CHSR is committed to promoting peace, upholding democracy, and opposing any form of violence or injustice. It was in light of these principles that the urgent press conference was convened

In response to the injustice suffered by the traders, CHSR has formally petitioned the Lagos State Government through a letter addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on 10th March 2025. The letter was titled:

"Acquaintance with Complaint of Unlawful Invasion and Wrongful Demolition of Over 500 Shops at Owode Motor Spare Parts Market, Owode Onirin, Against LASBCA and Our Subsequent Demand for Your Urgent Intervention."

In its demands, CHSR called upon the Lagos State Government to:

1. Conduct a thorough investigation into the demolition and bring those responsible to justice.
2. Uphold the rule of law by ensuring that property rights, as enshrined in the Constitution, are respected and protected.
3. Ensure impartiality in investigating LASBCA’s involvement and prevent any state agency from enforcing court judgments outside of due process.
4. Engage stakeholders in the market to devise a sustainable solution that safeguards both legal and economic interests.

The Market Association Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Hammed, was arrested and taken to FCID Alagbon Police Station under unclear circumstances. In the process, he suffered the loss of three of his shops due to the demolition.

Similarly, Mr. Adeola Hammed, another key representative of the traders, decried the sudden demolition, expressing shock that no prior notice was given to traders before the Lagos Alliance Team, under the leadership of Olowu, arrived with the police to execute the demolition exercise.

He further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the traders' businesses are safeguarded. He emphasised that government intervention is crucial to maintaining peace and ensuring the prosperity of market activities.

Alhaji Chief Dr. Wasiu Awoko, a senior market executive, reiterated that the traders have always been law-abiding citizens. He emphasized that despite the injustice they have suffered, they have remained loyal members of the APC and never opposed the leadership of Hon. Dele Oshinowo, Local Government Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu. He also recalled how the traders designed and wore customised vests in solidarity with Hon. Oshinowo during his election campaign.

Comrade Shina Loremikan condemned the government's mistreatment of traders, stating that it is unjust and unconscionable for any administration to assault citizens and destroy their livelihoods, especially during such challenging economic times.

He further warned that no government or authority should take actions that push citizens into unnecessary suffering and poverty, especially amid the country's high unemployment rates.

Other traders, including Mr. Akinpelu Olamilekan and Mr. Oluwole Garuba, also spoke at the press conference, echoing the urgent call for government intervention and justice.

The traders and the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) have made it clear that they do not oppose development or the enforcement of lawful regulations. However, they insist that all government actions must follow due process, respect fundamental rights, and prioritise the well-being of the people.

As the situation unfolds, the affected traders urge the Lagos State Government to swiftly intervene, prevent further hardship, and ensure that justice is served.