Hundreds of shop owners and market leaders from the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing demolition of their market. The protesters marched from the Lagos State Fire Service headquarters, carrying placards with messages such as, “Sanwo-Olu, call LASBCA and its thugs to order,” and “No prior notice of market relocation.”
The protest followed the demolition of parts of the market along Ikorodu Road, which occurred around 4:00 AM on March 6, 2025. Many shop owners reported being unaware of the demolition, leading to significant losses, including looted goods and destroyed properties.
Abiodun Ahmed, the market’s president general, expressed outrage over the lack of notification, stating, “They demolished over 500 shops, including my three shops. I have lost everything. This was done without any notice.” He also mentioned that the demolition had resulted in fatalities among community members, with three reported dead and several hospitalized.
Market executive Samuel Oluwole Gaba highlighted the scale of the impact, noting that the market is home to approximately 41,000 traders. He pleaded for assistance from the governor and the speaker, questioning where displaced traders should go for work.
Another protester, Alarape Oluwasegun, emphasized the market’s long history, stating it has been operating since 1979 and attracts traders from across Nigeria and beyond. He called for clarity on the government’s actions.
Shop owners raised concerns over alleged looting that occurred following the demolition, with one elderly trader lamenting the loss of their machines.
Adebola Shabi, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency II, addressed the protesters, assuring them that their plight would be investigated and given attention.
The protest in Lagos reflects a broader pattern of late-night demolitions impacting traders, echoing similar incidents at other markets, including the Police Officers’ Wives Association Shopping Complex in Ikeja, where traders also faced sudden displacement without warning.
