The Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has called on the Lagos State government to implement a transparent plan for fair compensation to the 500 shop owners and traders of the Owode Motor Spare Market whose shops were illegally demolished last March.

Speaking at a press conference held at the market, the group’s president, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, criticised the state’s lack of concern over the plight of the affected traders. He demanded the immediate involvement of market leaders and appointed representatives of the traders in all discussions, negotiations, and decisions about the market’s future and the provision of redress.

Omotehinse argued that the government cannot claim to act in the interest of justice while excluding those directly impacted. He also called for a firm commitment to preventing similar illegal actions in the future and safeguarding the rights of market associations and traders across Lagos.

To draw attention to the issue, the CHSR, alongside other civil society organisations, held a press briefing on March 11 and staged a protest on March 27, 2025, at the Lagos State House of Assembly, where they submitted a formal letter. Despite these efforts, there has been no response from either the Speaker or the Governor’s office.

Meanwhile, the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Mr Dele Oshinowo, visited the market and informed traders that the state government had intervened without consulting them. This exclusion of the affected traders from negotiations was condemned by Omotehinse.

When contacted, Oshinowo confirmed that the traders and their representatives had been invited to a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He explained that the council had written the petition and was therefore partially involved in the process. However, he acknowledged the traders’ legitimate concerns and assured them that the issue would be addressed.