Rights activist urge Lagos traders to obey market law
The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has urged traders in Lagos State to avoid violating Lagos State Market Association Law and all guidelines for operations.
The CHSR President, Mr Alex Omotehinse, gave the advice at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
The conference marked the opening of the A.I.A. Orilowo Perishable Foods Market in Owode on Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
Supreme news reports that the market opened for business on Wednesday after securing approval for operations from the state government.
Omotehinse, who led other right activists in the struggle to secure the approval, urged traders to ensure total adherence to all laws guiding markets in the state.
According to him, CHSR is a reputable human rights organisation with a good track record on rule of law, equity, fairness and justice; hence, its decision to join in the struggle to secure the approval.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to call the attention of the traders and the executives of Orilowo Perishable Foods Market to abide by Lagos market laws at all times.
“They must be of good behaviour and obey the sanitation law of the state to avoid closure of the market.
“Despite the fact that we fought for the registration and approval of your market, whenever you are caught on the wrong side of the law, you shall have us to contend with.”
Omotehinse commended, Mr Dele Oshinowo, the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their efforts.
He applauded the assembly’s Committee on Local Government and Rural Development as well as its Committee on Judiciary, Public Petition and LASIEC, for roles in ensuring that the market was approved for business.
Omotehinse recalled that the centre received a “Save Our Soul” letter entitled: “Request for Assistance” with regard to denial of the market registration by Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, from the market leaders.
He said that CHSR, as a human and socio-economic rights organisation, joined in the struggle for registration and approval of the market.
According to him, on Jan. 4, 2024, the CHSR with other civil society organisations led thousands of the market traders to Lagos State House of Assembly on a peaceful protest.
The right activist said that after extensive engagements with the assembly and those who opposed the registration, the market got approval
“CHSR, as an organisation, unequivocally appreciate the promptness, swiftness and sincerity of minds of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly in reviving the hope of the market men and women.
The market Leader, Alhaji Isiaka Orilowo, thanked the assembly, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and CHSR for support in getting approval for the market.
Orilowo promised that the market would provide perishable foods at affordable prices for the state residents.
He also assured the traders of protection and adequate security in the market.
