By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

To avoid market closure, the Centre for human and Socio-economic Rights, CHSR has called on all traders and executives of Orilowo Perishable Foods Market to abide by the principle of Lagos market Law.

The group made the call in a statement titled “Long Walk to Freedom at A.I.A Orilowo Perishable Foods Market”.

In the statement signed by President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, advised the traders to be of good conduct considering their experiences in trying to get the registration and approval of the said market.

He commended the promptness, swiftness and sincerity of minds of Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly in reviving the hope of the hopeless market men and women whose source of livelihood is seen to be threatened.

Omotehinse said: “The CHSR as a reputable human rights organization with a good track record on rule of law, equity, fairness and justice, are using this opportunity to call the attention of the traders and the executives of Orilowo Perishable Foods Market that they should abide to the principle of Lagos market Law at all time, be of good behavior and obey sanitation law of the state to avoid market closure.

“We are pleased to inform you that, despites the fact that we fought alongside you for the registration and approval of your market, that whenever you are caught on the wrong side of the law, or you trample on other people’s rights you shall have us to contend with.”

Giving a background, he said: “on December 21, 2023, we received an official Save Our Soul complaint letter titled: “Request for Assistance on denial of their market registration by Agboyi-ketu Local Council Development Area” with proof and copies of correspondent letters between the market association and the Council.

“CHSR on behalf of the market association, wrote a letter to both the office of Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and chairman of Agboyi-ketu LCDA dated December 22, 2023 with a caption “Acquaintance of Complaints on Denial of Registration of Market, Abuse of Office and Subsequent Demand for Urgent Intervention”.

“On 4th January, 2024, CHSR with other civil society organizations led thousands of Orilowo perishable foods market traders to Lagos Assembly on peaceful protest with a position letter titled “Violation of Freedom of Association: Denial of Approval for Operational Site for A.I.A Orilowo Perishable Foods Market Association” requesting for the intervention of the Lagos Assembly to avert state of anarchy in Agboyi-ketu council area over the denial of the market registration.

“The protest delegation was received by then majority leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, who promised that the assembly will definitely intervene.

After all this struggles, smiles were put to the faces of the traders when the House committee on “Judiciary, public petition and INEC under the chairmanship of Hon. Ladi Ajomale intervened and resolved the indifferences in the house resolution where all parties agreed.

“Therefore, the Orilowo Perishable Foods Market Association went further to perfect the documentation for the approval of the market which was approved by the Agboyi-ketu Local Council development area administration through an official provisional approval letter dated 15th January 2025.”

CHSR is a public good oriented membership based Non-Governmental Organization, NGO.