Hundreds of shop owners and market leaders from the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market on Thursday stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing demolition of their market.
The protesters, who marched from the Lagos State Fire Service headquarters to the House of Assembly in Ikeja, held placards with messages such as “Sanwo-Olu, call LASBCA and its thugs to order”, “No prior notice of market relocation”, and “Babajide Sanwo-Olu, save our souls”, urging the lawmakers to intervene.
Demolition Without Notice
The protest follows the demolition of parts of the market along Ikorodu Road in the early hours of March 6, 2025, reportedly carried out by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and security personnel. Many traders claim they were unaware of the exercise, which led to losses running into billions of naira.
Addressing the protesters, the market’s president general, Abiodun Ahmed, condemned the demolition, stating that over 500 shops were destroyed without prior notification.
“We saw the police, LASBCA, and the army arrive at the market. They demolished over 500 shops, including my three shops. I have lost everything. This was done without any notice,” Ahmed said.
He further revealed that the demolition had resulted in fatalities and hospitalisations.
“At least three of our members have lost their lives as a result of this demolition. Many others are hospitalised. How do we provide for our families when our only means of livelihood has been destroyed by the government that should protect us?” Ahmed lamented.
Traders Face Economic Hardship
Another market executive, Samuel Oluwole Gaba, described the demolition as devastating, noting that the market is home to 41,000 traders who now face economic hardship.
“One morning, they just came and destroyed everything without any notice. We are pleading with the governor and the speaker to come to our aid. Do they want us to become bus drivers or hoodlums?” Gaba asked.
Another protester, Alarape Oluwasegun, highlighted the market’s historical significance, explaining that it has existed since 1979 and attracts local and international buyers.
“People from other countries come here to buy spare parts. Now, large parts of the market have been demolished without warning. We don’t understand what is happening, which is why we are protesting peacefully,” Oluwasegun said.
Traders also alleged that hoodlums took advantage of the demolition to loot goods.
“After they tore down our shops, hoodlums stole our machines. Everything was taken,” an elderly trader, Balogun, said.
Lagos Assembly Pledges Investigation
Addressing the crowd, Adebola Shabi, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency II, assured the protesters that the House of Assembly would investigate the matter.
“This is your house. I can assure you that we will invite all stakeholders, investigate the matter, and give it accelerated attention,” Shabi said.
The Owode Onirin market protest follows a similar demolition at the Police Officers’ Wives Association Shopping Complex in Computer Village, Ikeja, where traders accused the government of carrying out the exercise on December 30, 2024, without prior notice.
Traders are now urging the Lagos State Government to halt further demolitions and provide relief measures for those affected.