Owode-Onirin Market Dispute: Mayor Oshinowo Refutes Attack Allegations
The Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dele Oshinowo, has strongly denied allegations linking him and the council to attacks on law enforcement officers in connection with the ongoing land dispute at Owode-Onirin Market. He dismissed the claims as baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Speaking exclusively with the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Oshinowo criticized what he described as an orchestrated effort to tarnish the council's reputation.
“The report is misleading and an attempt to misinform the public, distort facts, and paint those who acted unlawfully as victims while discrediting the council’s lawful intervention,” he stated.
Council's Position on Market Ownership
Providing a detailed account of the issue, Oshinowo emphasized that Owode-Onirin Market is a recognized government property under the jurisdiction of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. He affirmed that the council holds legal title to the land and had not been notified of any legal dispute concerning the property before the reported incident.
“Owode-Onirin Market is a government-approved market, and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA possesses the official title documents. As the elected chairman, it is my duty to oversee all markets within our jurisdiction, including Owode-Onirin,” he said.
Oshinowo accused a known land grabber, Akeem Ariori, of instigating the crisis by forcefully displacing legitimate traders and buyers, which nearly caused a stampede.
“Contrary to the false claims, the council was never informed of any court judgment. Instead, we received reports that Akeem Ariori and his associates stormed the market, harassed traders, and demolished shops without due process,” he explained.
Council’s Intervention and Attack on Officials
According to Oshinowo, the council responded to distress calls from displaced traders and dispatched officials to the market for a fact-finding mission. However, upon arrival, they were ambushed, attacked, and even tear-gassed by unidentified individuals, leading to the hospitalization of several council officials.
“We were met with hostility and violence. Following the attack, we promptly reported the incident to the Lagos State Government, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, and the Attorney General for further investigation,” he added.
Lagos State Government Deploys Security Personnel
Refuting claims that the council mobilized thugs, Oshinowo clarified that law enforcement officers from the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by Commander CSP Shola Jejeloye, were deployed to restore order.
He also disclosed that during the operation, six individuals claiming to be mobile police officers were questioned, but only four were arrested as they failed to provide proper identification.
“If they were truly acting lawfully, why did they flee? Why couldn’t they prove their legitimacy?” he queried.
Call for Responsible Journalism
Mayor Oshinowo criticized certain media outlets for spreading misinformation, warning against the dangers of being used by individuals with selfish interests.
“It is unfortunate that some media platforms are being used to peddle falsehoods. We urge the press to verify facts before publishing,” he advised.
Council Reaffirms Ownership and Commitment to Justice
Reaffirming the council’s legal ownership of the market land, Oshinowo assured residents of the LCDA’s commitment to protecting their rights and upholding the rule of law.
“Agboyi-Ketu LCDA possesses the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for this land. No amount of propaganda can alter this fact. We remain committed to safeguarding our people’s interests and ensuring justice prevails,” he concluded, urging the public to disregard misleading reports.
Oshinowo, known for his strides in security, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development, has received numerous accolades for his leadership. He reassured residents that his administration will continue to prioritize peace and development in the LCDA.
