MARKET DEMOLITION: LAGOS AND OTHERS WARNED AGAINST DISOBEYING ORDER

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has warned the state government not to put the court’s powers to the test by disobeying an order preventing the demolition of 795 shops in the Alaba section of the Mile 12 market.

On January 11, 2023, Justice Lateef Atinuke Oluyemi, who issued the warning, ordered parties in a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Orirere Commodity Leaders and Traders Association to maintain the status quo ante, pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

Yeye Precious Modupe Ojo, Alhaji Akinwale Jimoh, and Babatunde Adetula are also plaintiffs in the suit against the Lagos State government.

Kosofe Local Government/Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area, Dr Chris Onyekachi, Total Value Integrated Services Limited, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development are the defendants in the suit.

However, Gbolahan Quadri, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, informed the court that, despite the existing order, the respondents were still constructing on the land known as Alaba Section, Mile 12 Market, Ikosi-Isheri.

As a result of this development, Justice Oluyemi issued a strong warning to the respondents to stop disobeying the court order, threatening to imprison anyone who does so for contempt.

A lawyer for the respondent asked the court for more time to file necessary applications and respond to the suit.

The case was adjourned until March 30, 2023, to allow the defendants to file their reply to the suit.