Owode-Onirin Market Demolition: Agboyi-Ketu Chairman Oshinowo Visits Market, Refutes Allegations, Secures 40% Land Allocation for Traders

Owode-Onirin Market Demolition: Agboyi-Ketu Chairman Oshinowo Visits Market, Refutes Allegations, Secures 40% Land Allocation for Traders

By Oki Samson

The ongoing dispute surrounding the demolition of the Owode-Onirin International Market appears to be heading toward a resolution, following the intervention of the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dele Oshinowo.

The market, known across Nigeria for its specialization in automobile spare parts, recently came under demolition—a move that sparked public outcry and political commentary. In a widely circulated video, the federal lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, alleged that the council chairman was behind the demolition. However, new information has revealed that the demolition was based on a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Olowu family, the legal landowners, who have been in court over the land dispute since 1994.

The enforcement of the court order was carried out with support from security personnel, which led to tensions and the use of teargas to disperse protesting traders on March 6, 2025.

In response to the incident and the allegations, Mayor Oshinowo paid a working visit to the market, where he engaged directly with traders and market leaders. Speaking in Yoruba, he detailed the sequence of events and reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the interests of the market community.

“I rushed to the market on the day of the demolition and was nearly caught in the teargas. Since then, I have taken steps to resolve the issue, including writing to the Attorney-General of Lagos State and engaging with relevant agencies,” he explained. “The demolition was not carried out by my administration. It was based on a Supreme Court judgment obtained by the Olowu family, who have laid claim to part of the land since 1994.”

Mayor Oshinowo emphasized that the matter dates back to when Agboyi-Ketu was still under Somolu Local Government, noting that the disputed land spans 26.6 hectares—of which only 4.4 hectares belong to the Olowu family. He revealed that the Lagos State Government, during a meeting between the council, the family, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, advised that compensation or negotiated relocation should accompany the enforcement of any court order.

Addressing allegations made by Hon. Ogbara, Oshinowo strongly refuted the claim that he was demolishing the market to make way for estate development.

“She came here and falsely accused me of planning estates on this land. That is completely untrue. The Ajelogo estate project she referenced predates my administration. We only completed it. I will not allow anyone to use falsehoods to undermine my integrity,” he stated firmly.

Looking ahead, Mayor Oshinowo announced a significant step toward resolving the impasse: an agreement in principle to allocate 40% of the disputed 4.4 hectares of land for the traders’ continued use.

“We are working towards a mutual agreement with the landowners. Whatever portion is recovered will be shared among the different sections of the market. My administration is committed to supporting livelihoods, not destroying them,” he assured the traders.

The Chairman's visit and the land allocation offer have been received as a welcome development by stakeholders, offering hope for a sustainable resolution to a conflict that threatened the economic lifeblood of thousands of families.