Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is facing criticism over the demolition of over 500 shops at Owode Motor Spare Part Market in Owode Onirin.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) carried out the demolition, allegedly enforcing a court judgment against the neighboring Agbajoowo Market.
However, traders claim that LASBCA wrongfully extended the exercise into Owode Market, destroying hundreds of shops and goods worth billions of naira.
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has condemned the demolition, describing it as a “brazen act of land grabbing” that threatens the economic stability of Lagos State.
The demolition took place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, when LASBCA officials, accompanied by police officers and armed thugs, stormed the market. Traders alleged that the police imposed stringent conditions on their association chairman, Comrade Abiodun Hammed, who was arrested and detained at FCID Alagbon before being granted bail.
The CHSR has appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene and prevent further destruction, emphasizing that the affected traders deserve fair treatment and protection under the law.
The Owode Motor Spare Part Market is a major commercial hub known internationally for the sale of motor spare parts.
