Lagos fracas: Residents accuse police, Obasa of shielding suspects

Residents and the grieving family of Michael Ajayi who was killed during a fracas in Alimosho area of Lagos  are pointing fingers at the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and other assembly members for allegedly shielding murder suspects.

Eyewitnesses recount the harrowing incident that unfolded on Tuesday, April 16th, as Abiodun Ishola Ejigbadero, accompanied by suspected hoodlums, unleashed chaos upon the Iyana Ipaja market.

In a brazen display, gunshots rang out as Ejigbadero’s group declared sole authority over revenue collection, sending panic rippling through the market.

Reports indicate that Ejigbadero, along with other armed individuals, including Sunday Isan, Akin Jomboto, and others, initiated the violent disruption.

Despite efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, Area M Idimu, to restore order, the situation escalated, leading to tragic consequences, the death of Michael Ajayi, serious injuries to Kola Adeosun aka Paparazzi, Biodun Olaide and several others who were violently attacked by the Ejigbadero led gang.

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Shedding light on the origin of the sad episode, reveals a financial dispute dating back to Ejigbadero’s tenure as a market revenue collector in Alimosho LGA. Allegations of non-compliance with remittance agreements in over 36 months, and the termination of his brief, paint a picture of simmering tensions that eventually erupted into violence.

In the aftermath of the incident, the response from both local authorities and the Lagos State House of Assembly has drawn criticism.

The Assembly’s involvement, purportedly at the behest of Speaker Obasa, has been met with scepticism, with accusations of prioritizing political interests over justice echoing through the Alimosho community.

Furthermore, the reported reluctance of Alimosho LGA Chairman, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, to address the matter, has fueled public outrage.

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Despite impassioned pleas for accountability from the Ajayi family and concerned residents, the spectre of political allegiance looms large, casting a shadow over the pursuit of justice.

As calls for transparency and impartiality reverberate, the resolve of Michael Ajayi’s family and the aggrieved community remains unshaken. Their determination to seek redress and hold accountable those responsible for their loss serves as a rallying cry for justice in the face of adversity.

High Chief Adedayo Badeyemo Aremu Oki in his submission explained that “All I am pleading for is that the Nigerian Police investigate this matter and bring perpetrators to justice. An injury to one is an injury to all.”

Barr Gbenga Babawipe in his submission said the Nigerian Police has opened the case file but no one knows why the investigation is not progressive. The Nigerian Bar Association will be petitioning the Inspector General of Police to do the needful as regards this matter.

Efforts to obtain comments from key figures implicated in the controversy, including Hon. Jelili Sulaimon and the Speaker’s media aide, Eromosele Ebhomele, have been met with silence as at press time.