In the on-going dispute between the Owode-Onirin Traders and Lagos State Government over the demolition of their Stalssand properties at the afore-mentioned Market.
The traders further alleged that after the demolition was carried out under the supervision of one Engineer. Akeem Ariori whom they said arrived at the site with armed thugs guarding the area while they carried out their atrocities and attacked the market members.
The Owode-Onirin Spokesman went on to state that some of the traders lost their lives “Our members were attacked, and six people lost their lives,” Hameed alleged. “Yet, no government official condemned these killings.”
This prompted them to send petitions and embark on peaceful protests despite all these pro-active measures no response was yielded.
On March 28 and October 2, 2025 further efforts were made at attracting Government attention thus a demonstration to the Lagos State House of Assembly was done.
“Another protest organized by concerned Lagos residents was violently dispersed,” the traders said. “People were tear-gassed, beaten and injured.”
The traders appealed to the Federal Government, the National Assembly and Nigerians to intervene, saying petitions submitted to the National Assembly and the Presidency had not been acknowledged.
“We are legitimate residents of Lagos State. We pay our dues, yet we are treated as if we do not exist,” they said.
They appealed that the Government desists from harassing them and leave the market alone and grant them all the necessary support required support necessary for them to carry out their daily activities since they possess the valid documents require
On the flip side, Mr. Oluwasegun Owolabi, Counsel to Engr. Akeem Ariori, has since dismissed allegations against Engr. Akeem Ariori (his client] with regards to the recent violence, which the Marketers said resulted in three deaths.
Barrister Owolabi said, “My client has nothing to do with the violence,” adding that the land in dispute belongs to the Olowu family and valid court judgments including appellate had been obtained through valid court judgments and subsequently engaged Engr. Ariori to enforce those orders.”
The counsel further stated that “At a stakeholders’ meeting, it was reportedly resolved that the land should be shared on a 60–40 basis between the Olowu family, represented by Engr. Ariori, and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA,” he said this had been clarified by Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), Attorney-General of Lagos State, who said that allocation letters held by the traders did not amount to legal ownership however, despite the resolution given, the traders went on to destroy properties belonging to Ariori and the Olowu family.
The Counsel to Ariori, recalled that the dispute was previously referred to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, and later discussed at a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Lagos State Attorney-General.