The Coalition of Associations in the Computer Village market has kicked against a move by the Iyaloja to conduct a biometric enumeration of members plying their trade in the market.
The Coalition of Associations in the market, which includes CAPDAN and PAPDAN, said the Iyaloja and Babaloja of the market have no right to carry out such an exercise.
Recall that earlier in the month, a statement, credited to Iyaloja, Abisola Azeez, circulated online and in some newspapers, where it was revealed that the leadership planned a biometric enumeration of all traders in the market.
Azeez had described the initiative as part of a broader rebranding effort to address issues like phone snatching, fraudulent technicians, and substandard goods.
“The market’s leadership announced the move after a recent security incident led the Lagos State Task Force to consider a complete shutdown. However, market representatives intervened to safeguard legitimate traders. Under the new rules, only registered vendors with ID cards displayed at their stalls will be allowed to operate.
“Approved street setups will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, while wooden structures and open flames are banned to reduce fire hazards,” the statement reads.
The Baba Oja, Adeniyi Ajao, also noted the market’s damaged image, emphasising new security measures like CCTV, emergency alert systems, and increased collaboration with law enforcement.
But in a statement made available to The Guardian, signed by the President, Coalition of Associations in Computer Village, Pastor Timi David, Secretary General, Jerry Mba and Public Relations Officer (PRO) Ademola Olaifa, titled: “Disclaimer/Debunking the false publication: Iyaloja Computer Village’s Unauthorised Biometric enumeration and False Leadership Claims,” the Coalition said the statement credited to Miss Raolat Abisola Azeez and Olasoji Adeniyi that they are conducting biometric registration and enumeration exercises of traders in Computer Village is false and misleading.
According to them, “The imposed Iya-Oja and Baba-Oja.of Computer Village do not have the legal right or authority to conduct any enumeration of traders in Computer Village, because we are Registered Associations with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).” And we have a subsisting Declarative Judgement that clearly states that we the Associations in Computer Village are not under the authority of either Iya-oja or Baba-oja and their representatives also cannot levy or charge any of our members.
“The Coalition of Associations in Computer Village, which is the umbrella union representing over 18 Registered Associations in Computer Village is the recognised and legitimate body representing the interests of these over 18 different Associations and Traders in Computer Village market, Ikeja.”
The Coalition urged the general public stakeholders and business operators in particular to ignore and disregard the publication and the claims made by the Iya-oja, Baba-oja and their agents or representatives in Computer Village regarding Biometric Registration/enumeration.
The statement noted that it is only the Coalition of Associations in Computer Village or the authorised government agencies that have the rights to conduct such exercises if the need arises.
