The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has appealed to the Lagos State government, the state House of Assembly, and all relevant security agencies to ensure compliance with the court order on the Owode Onirin spare parts market to protect the rights and livelihoods of the traders.

The CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, who made the appeal, on Friday, during a press conference at the market, raised the alarm on the activities of suspected land grabbers and fraudulent agents who are attempting to sell acres of land on the disputed site, located at Weighbridge, Owode, along Ikorodu Road, despite the said land being a subject of litigation.

Omotehinse noted that the market association remains committed to pursuing the matter legally and peacefully, while ensuring that no Nigerian falls victim to the fraudulent scheme.

Recall that on March 10, 2025, the traders petitioned both the Lagos State government and the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeking intervention against incessant harassment, assault, and property demolition by land grabbers.

On March 11, a press conference was held to bring the issue to the attention of Lagosians, and on March 27, after receiving no response for 17 days from either Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or the state House of Assembly, the marketers staged a peaceful protest at the assembly and submitted a protest letter.

On June 2, the matter came up for hearing before Justice M.A. Savage. After submissions by Femi Falana, SAN, counsel for the claimant, the court issued an order for parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed land.

Despite this, land grabbers, allegedly using the instruments of the state government, have demolished over 1,000 spare parts shops, which have been put up for sale.

Based on this development, CHSR has issued a stern warning to the general public not to enter into any financial transactions for the purchase, lease, or acquisition of the said plots of land or any structure erected thereon by the defendants or their agents, regardless of the name or front they may use.

“Be aware that a formal notice of dispute over the land has been lodged at the Lagos State Lands Registry, which will trigger a query during any legitimate verification process,” he said.