Otto Market traders in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria have appealed to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stop the planned demolition of the market.
According to the traders, the chairperson of the Local Government Area, Mrs. Omolola Essien about a week ago, announced that the market would be demolished immediately after Eid-el-Adha (Sallah celebration) on Wednesday and Thursday.
The food market which is in the Oyingbo area of Lagos hosts hundreds of traders who are predominantly Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo.
One of the market leaders, K.B. Abiaodun told our correspondent on Sunday that going by Essien’s announcement, the market would be demolished this week and taken over by private developers. However, according to him, there was no mention of compensation for traders.
“Some of the traders have allocation papers that are still valid for up to 10 years. The local government chairperson just announced that after Sallah, the market would be demolished without saying anything about the people whose livelihoods have depended on the market for years.
“Most of our leaders went to meet her but all she said was that it was an order from above and that nobody can stop the demolition.”
Abiodun said the local government chairperson carried out a similar demolition at Ido Market, about a kilometre from Otto Market.
A copy of a letter sent to the governor by Abiodun on behalf of the traders, which was also made available to newsmen reads:
“We, the concerned traders and residents of Otto Market on the Lagos Mainland, write to you with a deep sense of urgency and concern regarding the imminent demolition of our market. It has come to our attention that the Lagos Mainland Local Government Chairman has announced the impending demolition of the market within two weeks, as it has allegedly been sold to a private developer without considering the existing traders and their livelihoods.
“We humbly bring this matter to your attention, Your Excellency, as we believe in your commitment to the welfare and progress of Lagosians. The Otto Market has been a vibrant hub of economic activity for years, serving as a lifeline for countless traders and their families. Many of us have invested our hard-earned savings into our businesses within the market, providing essential goods and services to the community.
“Despite our allocation papers, which are still valid and have not expired, the announcement of the market’s demolition has left us in a state of uncertainty and despair.
“We understand the need for development and progress within our great state, but it is disheartening to witness such actions being taken without adequate consideration for the existing traders who have diligently served the community for years.
“Your Excellency, we find ourselves at a time when the Nigerian economy is facing immense challenges, and the impact is felt acutely by small business owners like us. We implore you to intervene in this situation and ensure that the demolition of Otto Market is reconsidered.
“We seek your assistance in securing a fair and inclusive approach that accommodates the existing traders, allowing them to continue their businesses while also facilitating any necessary development in the area.
“As a beacon of hope for Lagosians, we have witnessed the remarkable progress and positive change that you have brought to our state since assuming office. Your administration’s focus on infrastructural development, job creation, and improving the overall welfare of the citizens has been commendable. We trust that you will extend your compassionate hand to us during this challenging time and ensure that justice is served.
“We kindly request Your Excellency to convene a meeting with the relevant stakeholders, including the traders, representatives from the Lagos Mainland Local Government, and the private developer involved.
“Such a meeting would provide an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and the exploration of alternative solutions that would protect the interests of both the traders and the development objectives of Lagos State.
“Your Excellency, we firmly believe that you will consider our plea with the utmost care and urgency it deserves. We trust in your commitment to the well-being and progress of Lagosians, and we are confident that you will act in a manner that upholds justice, fairness, and the dignity of hardworking citizens.”