Some traders at the renowned Oluwole Market on Lagos Island have taken legal action against the Lagos State Government and several of its agencies over the demolition of their shops.
Represented by the Lagos Merchandise and Traders Association, these traders are demanding N3.4 billion in compensation for what they describe as an unlawful demolition of their businesses.
The association, acting both for itself and on behalf of 169 other traders, has filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square.
In their legal action, they are seeking a declaration from the court that the demolition of the kee-klamp they occupied at the Oluwole market was illegal, unconstitutional, and in violation of their rights.
Apart from the association, Babro Ventures Limited and Tosh Limited have also filed additional claims in the case. The defendants in this matter include the Lagos State Attorney General, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority.
In the 42-paragraph statement of claim attached to the suit, the claimants stated that they had peacefully occupied and operated their businesses in the kee-klamp structures without incident until April 17, 2024, when officials from the LASBCA arrived with threats of demolition, despite not having issued any prior notice.
In response, the traders sent a letter through their lawyer on April 18, 2024, addressing the threats and requesting that the authorities recognize their legal occupancy.
The traders contended that the demolition would lead to significant hardship for them and their businesses.
They also described meetings held with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Physical Planning on April 18 and 19, 2024, where they were assured that no demolition would take place.
However, much to their dismay, the kee-klamps were demolished on April 21, 2024, leaving them with no opportunity to recover their goods or other personal items.
In their lawsuit, the claimants are seeking multiple reliefs, including:
“A declaration that, by the combined effects of the terms of the judgment in suit No. LD/386/91 and the Letter of Allocation of 269 kee-klamps dated January 9, 2006, the leases granted to the first claimant and its members over the kee-klamps at the Oluwole Kee-klamps Market, Lagos Island, still remain valid.”
“A declaration that, by the fifth defendant’s letter dated June 3, 2006, and subsequent agreement with the second claimant over constructing 91 kee-klamp on the upper decks of Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4, the lease granted to the second claimant over the kee-klamp still remains valid.”
“A declaration that by the fifth defendant’s letter dated June 3, 2006, and subsequent agreement with the third claimant over constructing 91 kee-klamp on the upper decks of Blocks 7, 8, and 10, the lease granted to the third claimant over the kee-klamp is still subsisting.”
“Damages of N10,000,000 for each of the owners of the 269 kee-klamp belonging to the first claimant and its members.”
“A sum of N412,000,000 in favour of the second claimant, N317,000,000 in favour of the third claimant, and the costs of this action amounting to N5,000,000.”
During the recent hearing of the case, the defendants failed to appear in court, nor were they represented by legal counsel.
The claimants’ lawyer, Silas Ukairo, informed the court that the defendants had been served with the necessary documents since July. As a result, Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi adjourned the case until December 6, 2024, for further proceedings.
The court also ordered that hearing notices be re-served on the defendants to ensure their presence at the next session.
