Lagos Govt insists recent demolition in Alaba International Market is not to aquire the land
The Lagos State Government has said that the recent demolition of some structures in Alaba International Market in Ojo area of the state was not with the intention to aquire the land.
Rather government said the decision was to save lives of the affected traders and residents from inherent dangers in the defective structures.
The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABSCA, Arc Gbolahan Oki stated this during the on the spot assessment by the Committee set up by Governor Sanwoolu in the aftermath of the demolition exercise.
You will recall that Igbo leaders led by the Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodinma met with Governor Sanwoolu in Lagos to put to rest the alleged tribal bias behind the demolition exercise.
Gbolahan Oki explained that the demolition was not to wittch hunt anyone, far away from ethnic sentiments but done in good fate.
According to him, most of the demolishes buildings were without permit adding that necessary documentation were also ignored from the state government.
He said further and I quote” The State Government led by Governor Babajide Sanwoolu has a listening ear by setting up a committee to look into the recent demolition exercise in the market and it will be wrong for anyone to attract any tribal sentiments to it. End of quote.
Oki said that the 7 man Committee was mandated to look into the demolition without causing disaffection among the traders at Alaba International Market, Ojo.
He expressed worry that operatives of the Agency usually face resistance on the part of those who failed to get Building Plan approval or those who did illegal conversion of their buildings.
The LABSCA boss also disclosed that one of the assignment of the committee was to look into the claim of the traders that the land in which the market is located belongs to the Federal Government.
On his part the Secretary of the committee, Chris Maduka welcome the decision to visit the site, see things for themselves and verify all claims.
He said government has a job to do in supporting the efforts of the traders in adding value to the market and its environs.
Maduka later solicited for the cooperation and understanding of the traders mostly affected by the demolition exercise saying taken to protest or violence will defeat the purpose the Governor set up the Committee.
Some affected traders at the market who displayed various placards pleaded with Governor Sanwoolu to fast track the assignment of the committee so that they could return to means of livelihood.
