Traders threaten war over planned demolition of Lagos market

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Market women

Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos

October 7, 2015 – Traders in Irepodun/ Olorunshogo market, Oladun Road,  Isheri- Idimu in Egbe Idimu Local Council Development Area,  Alimosho are at war with the LCDA over plan to demolish their market.

Last week, traders in the market, in their hundreds,  stormed the council to seek audience with Executive Secretary of the LCDA, Honourable Kunle Sanyaolu Olowopejo over the matter.

But officials of the LCDA prevented them from seeing him , insisting that that the executive secretary was not in the office. The protesting traders insisted that the plan to demolish their markets and build another is illegal since the market is situated under power line.

The Irepodun Community Development Association in the area  vowed to resist the proposed demolition.

In a two page letter dated September, 15, 2015 written to the Area Commander, ‘Area M’ Police Command, Pipeline, Idimu, Lagos, the CDA, appealed to the police to stop the exercise in order to avert the consequential breach of peace and harmony within the community.

The LCDA had in a letter dated September 15, 2015,  signed by A.N. Kazeem, Market Master, on behalf of the executive secretary informed the traders of planned demolition.

“You are hereby informed that Egbe Idimu LCDA will commence the re-development of Olorunsogo Market into a modern market. Notice is hereby given to the shop/ space occupier to vacate their shops/space within seven days of the receipt of this notice. “

But in a letter written and signed by Comrade MK Shoyombo on behalf of the market dated October 2, 2015, and made available to this newspaper,  the traders noted that the development came to  the majority  as a rude shock and appealed to the LCDA to give them time to make alternative arrangement.

“It was served during the Ileya festival period as well as the resumption of our children back to school. But as poor as we are, we have blood flowing throughout our bodies as well. In view of this and other consideration of future peace, harmony and political activities within the LCDA and Lagos State at large, we would urge to extend the proposed development.

“This would afford us an ample time to wrap- up our market activities for the year, balance our yearly accounts and settle various contributions. Also, we would not be in sad mood during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year Festive periods<” they said.

We gathered that on Tuesday, traders in the market, led by Alhaji Alao Salami, Babaloja of the market, held a meeting with LCDA officials and pleaded for six months grace, but officials of the LCDA vowed to carry out the demolition exercise as planned.

 

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