By Oki Samson
The demolition of the popular market known for its specialty in motor spare parts, Owode Onirin market situated in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA has come with a rude shock for those who own shops and those who buy products there.
The same is for the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo who is also saddened that a revenue-generating cashcow for his LCDA has just been destroyed. But the hardworking Chairman is rather incensed by the allegations that he personally led, directly championed or indirectly supported the destruction of the market in order for him to build a residential estate, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
For Mayor Dele Oshinowo, the allegation is brewing and he has decided to state his own narrative. The allegation being pushed in a viral video online by the member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Kosofe federal constituency, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara to the public, he considers nothing short of a personal vendetta.
The Chairman observed that it is absolutely the prerogative of the Honorable Representative to visit the scene of an incident of such magnitude under her legislative capacity. He also observed that it is required for her to grant press interviews after such visits.
But he frowns at the fact that the Honorable Representative Kafilat Ogbara went ahead to cast aspersions on the efforts of the State Government, that of an unnamed Honourable! Commissioner, his person as the Chairman, and the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA leadership without making recourse to get adequate information before making her claims. And that not to mainstream media but flying a video on social media to gain cheap political likes and for rumour-mongers to throw around is very unbecoming of a leader, that he respects.
For Mayor Dele Oshinowo, he would rather have loved that the Honorable Representative seek adequate information about what has led to the unfortunate situation, what is being done by those who are really on ground, so that they can jointly seek ways to find a solution. With such a move, things would have been properly placed in the public eye and for posterity’s sake.
Hon. Oshinowo in a press statement he personally e-signed and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP to set the record straight. ‘I wish to address recent developments pertaining to Owode-Onirin Market, particularly a circulating video featuring Honourable Chief Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara. In the said video, while addressing a crowd at the Owode-Onirin Spare Parts Market, Hon. Ogbara mentioned claims made by an unnamed Honourable Commissioner in Lagos State to the effect that, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA was responsible for the demolition of a part of the Owode-Onirin Spare Parts market, and that the State Government was collaborating with the Council on the demolition.’
‘I want to categorically state that neither I, as Executive Chairman, nor Agboyi-Ketu L.C.D.A., the council I lead, played any role (whether major or minor) in the demolition that took place at Owode-Onirin Market and I believe Hon. Ogbara may have been misinformed regarding this issue. The demolition was carried out by the Olowu Family and their agents.’
‘On the day of the incident, I, along with several of my staff members, was tear-gassed while attempting to halt the demolition. Since that day, I have been facing harassment through over five (5) petitions filed against me by the Olowu Family at various police commands, including Alagbon Police Command, Ikoyi, Kam Salem Headquarters Annex, Obalende and the Force Headquarters, Abuja. These acts stem from my strong efforts to protect the market from their attempts at takeover. Just last week, they initiated contempt proceedings against me in Suit No: ID/1757/1994—Mr. Femi Festus Olowu & Anor vs. Mayor Dele Oshinowo & Anor—claiming that I am obstructing the enforcement of a court order that they allege entitles them to occupy a portion of the market.’
‘For some time now, I have been dedicated to defending the interests of the traders at Owode-Onirin Market, often at significant personal and financial cost. It saddens me to then hear baseless rumors suggesting my involvement in the market’s demolition; such claims are utterly false. As the Executive Chairman, I regard the Owode-Onirin Market as a vital public asset, and I am committed to safeguarding it from appropriation by private individuals. I assure you that neither the Council nor the State Government has plans to convert the market land into a residential estate, as has been suggested in the said video.’
‘Owode-Onirin Market is, and will remain, a thriving marketplace, essential for the livelihoods of its traders and revenue generating earner for the LCDA. In light of the demolition of the market by the Olowu Family, I am actively engaging with Mr. Governor, the Honourable Attorney General, and other key State Government officials to find a peaceful resolution to this matter, in order to facilitate an environment where our traders can operate without disruption.’
He pleaded: ‘As partners in progress for the betterment of our local communities, I had hoped that Hon. Ogbara would have reached out to me to verify her information rather than perpetuating harmful rumours regarding the Council’s involvement in the said demolition. Therefore, I respectfully urge Hon. Ogbara to refrain from making unverified political statements that could escalate tensions in our Community and instead collaborate with both the State Government and Local Council to foster peace in the market, thereby promoting progress within our community and our dear State’.
‘I urge everyone to dismiss any rumors linking myself or Agboyi-Ketu L.C.D.A. to the demolition that occurred in the Market on the 6th of March, 2025. My focus remains steadfast on protecting the market land from external pressures, ensuring that the best interests of our Council and the traders are upheld. Thank you for your understanding and continued support’, the Executive Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo concluded.
