- Traders from Oluwole Market filed suit against Lagos State Government, demanding N3.4bn in damages
- The traders argued that the demolition caused significant hardship, denying them a chance to recover goods
- The Lagos State High Court adjourned the case until December 6, 2024, after the defendants failed to appear
A group of traders from the popular Oluwole Market on Lagos Island has taken legal action against the Lagos State Government and some of its agencies following the demolition of their shops.
The traders, under the representation of the Lagos Merchandise and Traders Association, are asking for N3.4 billion in damages for the alleged wrongful demolition of their businesses.
Oluwole traders seek compensation after alleged illegal demolition
The claimants' suit requests multiple reliefs, including, “a declaration that, by the combined effects of the terms of the judgment in suit No. LD/386/91 and the Letter of Allocation of 269 kee-klamps dated January 9, 2006, the leases granted to the first claimant and its members over the kee-klamps at the Oluwole Kee-klamps Market, Lagos Island, still remain valid.
“A declaration that, by the fifth defendant’s letter dated June 3 2006 and subsequent agreement with the second claimant over constructing 91 kee-klamp on the upper decks of Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4, the lease granted to the second claimant over the kee-klamp still remains valid.
“A declaration that by the fifth defendant’s letter dated June 3, 2006, and subsequent agreement with the third claimant over constructing 91 kee-klamp on the upper decks of Blocks 7, 8, and 10, the lease granted to the third claimant over the kee-klamp is still subsisting.
“Damages of N10,000,000 for each of the owners of the 269 kee-klamp belonging to the first claimant and its members.
“A sum of N412,000,000 in favour of the second claimant, N317,000,000 in favour of the third claimant, and the costs of this action amounting to N5,000,000.”
Lagos state officials absent in court as traders seek justice
The association, acting for itself and 169 other traders, has asked the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square to declare that the demolition of the kee-klamp stalls at the Oluwole Market was both unlawful and unconstitutional.
The defendants were notably absent from court on Friday, November 8 with no legal representation present. Silas Ukairo, counsel for the claimants, informed the court that they had served the defendants with the court papers as early as July.
Named as defendants in the suit are the Lagos State Attorney General, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority.
Court adjourns case, orders hearing notices for defendants
Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi, noting the absence of the defendants, adjourned the case until December 6, 2024, and ordered that hearing notices be served on the defendants ahead of the next proceedings.
The case also includes claims from Babro Ventures Limited and Tosh Limited, in addition to the association's involvement.
The claimants, in a 42-paragraph statement of claim attached to the lawsuit, asserted that they had been peacefully in possession of the kee klamp and running their businesses until April 17, 2024, when Lagos State Building Control Agency officials issued threats of demolition without any notice.
According to the claimants, they instructed their lawyer to send a letter on April 18, 2024, to the defendants, addressing the threat and asking them to consider that the claimants were not occupying the space illegally.
Claimants allege broken promises despite assurances from Lagos state
The claimants argued that the demolition of the kee klamp would lead to considerable hardship and distress.
They clarified that, in addition to sending the letter, they met with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Physical Planning on April 18 and 19, 2024, and were assured that the demolition would be suspended.
In a turn of events that shocked them, the claimants said that on April 21, 2024, the kee-klamps were demolished, denying them any chance to recover their goods or other belongings.
Lagos Government seals several churches, nightclubs over noise pollution
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Lagos State government closed down branches of the Redeemed Christian Church of God branch and the Celestial Church of God, among others, because of noise pollution.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab stressed the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental standards and protecting public health.