Tempers flared at the Oja Retail Market in Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, as residents and traders staged a protest against the planned demolition of the market by Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Mr. Taoreed Taiwo.
Worried about their livelihoods, the demonstrators made passionate appeals to the council chairman, councillors, council manager, and other local authorities to shelve the demolition plans. For many, the market is their only source of income.
“We are not against development, but not at the cost of our survival—especially with the festive period so close,” said Mrs. Temitope Olufowokan, a shop owner who urged the council to halt the exercise and ensure transparency in any redevelopment process.
According to her, the traders had looked forward to enjoying the dividends of democracy, not facing eviction and uncertainty.
“We Didn’t Ask for This” – Youth Leader Laments
Joining the protest, Mr. Adeyemi Yusuf, Chairman of the Estate Youth Parliament, criticised the council’s approach to the market redevelopment.
He warned that pricing rebuilt shops at ₦5 million would price out most of the current traders and erase the community’s economic base.
“We’ve made it clear what our community needs. If he [the chairman] refuses to address those needs, he shouldn’t impose what we didn’t request,” Yusuf said.
*Council chairman defends redevelopment*
In response, Chairman Taoreed Taiwo defended the planned reconstruction, saying it aligns with his administration’s campaign promises and the broader Renewed Hope Agenda.
He revealed that the current market structures, built over four decades ago during the tenure of the late Governor Lateef Jakande, are now dangerously weak and beyond renovation.
“These buildings are no longer structurally sound. The idea is not to punish traders but to rebuild the market into a modern facility that meets current safety and infrastructural standards,” Taiwo explained.
He also noted that multiple consultations had been held with market executives and stakeholders before the public was informed, adding that the council’s broader infrastructure upgrade covers schools, health centres, and roads across the LCDA.
Taiwo reassured the traders that original shop owners would receive priority once the new market is completed and urged residents to support the council’s vision.
Despite the assurances, the protesters insist on a more inclusive and affordable approach—demanding that the council consider the immediate economic impact on small-scale traders already grappling with inflation and tough market conditions.
(NAN)
