The crisis at the Aguiyi Ironsi International Market, located within Ladipo Market, escalated following an alleged attempt by the market’s chairman, Chief Chukwuma Onyebinanma, to hold an election despite a court order prohibiting such actions.
The Lagos State High Court had previously issued an injunction barring elections in the market. According to P.M. EXPRESS, the situation spiraled into unrest, prompting the Mushin Local Government, which owns the market, to intervene by shutting it down temporarily to restore order.
Key figures, including Chief Onyebinanma, Vice Chairman Cajetan Anigbo, Electoral Committee Chairman Fatai Adefat, and the market’s security chairman, were reportedly arrested and transferred to Abuja in connection with violent incidents linked to the crisis.
Tensions peaked after Chief Onyebinanma’s alleged plans to influence the market election by appointing loyalists to the electoral committee fell apart. His efforts were thwarted when the Lagos State High Court extended its earlier injunction by 21 days on November 8, 2024. Justice A.M. Lawal, who presided over the matter, reiterated the ban on elections in the market under suit number ID/8580GCM/2024.
Despite being summoned by the Commissioner of Police, Onyebinanma reportedly ignored the warnings and proceeded with preparations to conduct the election....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
Traders alleged that Onyebinanma, along with the electoral committee chairman and unknown security personnel, entered the market covertly at night, setting up canopies, chairs, and ballot papers to proceed with the election.
Police officers initially deployed to the market were reportedly outnumbered until reinforcements arrived, led by the Commissioner of Police. The task force ultimately halted the election and arrested key individuals involved in organizing the activity.
Chief Onyebinanma allegedly expressed defiance, reportedly stating his determination to conduct the election despite the court’s ruling. He reportedly directed the electoral committee to press ahead with the election regardless of the legal and law enforcement barriers.
