Members of the Orilowo Perishable Food Market Association took to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday to protest the delay in approving the location of their market. Photos from the protest revealed association members holding placards with various inscriptions as they demanded immediate approval for the Orilowo Perishable Food Market to be situated at Plot 705 Adekunle Bus Stop, Ikorodu Road, Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area.
In a statement released by the President of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, Alex Omotehinse, who led the protest, it was emphasized that the market’s approval is crucial for it to operate within recognized market standards and regulations.
Omotehinse stated, “The petitioners wrote a letter dated May 16, 2022, to Agboyi-Ketu LCDA seeking approval of a designated site; unfortunately, officials of the LCDA have deliberately refused to grant the approval as requested by the association, thus putting their business activities in jeopardy. We are therefore, by this petition, demanding the intervention of the Lagos State House of Assembly to call Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and relevant agencies to order, with the view to actualizing the approval of the requested space as the operational base of the Orilowo Perishable Food Market Association.”
A petition presented to the Assembly expressed the association’s commitment to supporting good governance in Lagos and sought the intervention of the Lagos State House of Assembly to resolve the issues surrounding the delayed approval.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, reportedly addressed the association during the protest, appealing for more time. He emphasized the need to hear from all stakeholders involved, including the LCDA chairman, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation before reaching a decision. The Assembly assured the association that justice would be served, but a thorough examination of all perspectives was necessary.