Group harps on market law compliance as Orilowo perishable food market opens

The Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) on Wednesday tasked A.I.A Orilowo Perishable Foods Market stakeholders to comply with the market laws guiding their operations in Lagos State.

Speaking at a press conference held to commemorate the official opening of the market in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the CHSR President Comrade Alex Omotehinse, who gave a vivid trajectory of struggles towards the eventual approval of the market, hinted that operators of the market need be cautious in all their trading activities and adhere strictly by the laws guiding them.

Omotehinse said that,“We are using this opportunity to call the attention of the traders and the executives of Orilowo Perishable Foods Market that they should abide to the principle of Lagos market Law at all time, be of good behavior and obey sanitation law of the state to avoid market closure.
“We are pleased to inform you that, despites the fact that we fought alongside with you for the registration and approval of your market that whenever you are caught on the wrong side of the law, or you trample on other people’s rights you shall have us to contend with.”

According to Comrade Omotehinse, the grand plot to deny the market registration by Agboyi-Ketu LCDA made the body’s intervention a necessity, in order to restore sanity and ensure that justice is served on the part of the hapless market traders.

Omotehinse flanked by Comrade Shina Loremekan the National Coordinator of Campaign Against Impunity in Nigeria and other leaders different human rights groups maintained that series of letters were written on behalf of A.I.A Orilowo Perishable Foods Market seeking redress on different occasions, he however, cited key roles played by related standing committees of the Lagos State House of Assembly which waded into the situation and eventually brokered a truce.

In the text of the parley titled: “Long Walk To Freedom At A.I.A Orilowo Perishable Foods Market” the CHSR President-Omotehinse added that the liberation for the market sets a favourable precedent for markets across the state, citing the fact that the market has been gazetted and all necessary documents perfected before the commencement of operation.

Omotehinse said,“After all these struggles, Smiles were put on the faces of the traders when House committee on Judiciary, Public Petition and LASIEC under the chairmanship of Hon. Ladi Ajomale intervened and resolved the indifferences in the house resolution where all parties agreed to.

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“Therefore, the Orilowo Perishable Foods Market Association went further to perfect the documentation for the approval of the market which was approved by the Agboyi-ketu Local Council development area administration through an official provisional approval letter dated 15th January 2025.

“CHSR appreciates the promptness, swiftness and sincerity of minds of Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, in reviving the hope of the hopeless market men and women whose source of livelihood is seen to be threatened.

“On behalf of Orilowo marketers, CHSR also congratulate and appreciate the versatility and doggedness of the executive chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA Mayor Dele Osinowo for the approval of A.I.A Orilowo Perishable Foods Market operation against all odds.”

During the course of opening the market a colourful signage indicating the existence of the market at the location was officially unveiled by the market stakeholders.

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The elated Chairman of Orilowo Perishable Market, Alhaji Abdullahi Isiaka Akande in his remark after the unveiling, told newsmen that adequate provisions are in place to ensure smooth run of the market, citing the fact that no ethnic discrimination as all will be allowed to trade their wares in the market without fear of any sentiment.

Alhaji Akande cited the benefits in the market for those in the neighbourhood and other traders, stressing that security and truthfulness will their symbol of trade.

“We shall comply with all the laws; we will not violate any of it. We appreciate all those who had helped us thus far.”