The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has urged traders in Lagos State to desist from 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, marking the opening of the A.I.A. Orilowo Perishable Foods Market in Owode along Ikorodu Road.
The market was opened for business on Wednesday after long struggles and agitations to secure approval for operations from the government.
Omotehinse, who led other right activists in the struggle to secure approval for the market, urged traders to ensure total adherence to all the laws guiding markets in the state.
He said that the traders would have the CHSR to contend with if they violated any of the laws of 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 the decision to join the market leaders to secure approval.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to call the attention of the traders and the executives of Orilowo Perishable Foods Market that they should abide by the Lagos Market Law at all times.
“They must be of good behaviour and obey sanitation law of the state to avoid a closure of the market.
“We are pleased to inform you that despite the fact that we fought alongside with you for the registration and approval of your market, 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.”
Omotehinse used the opportunity to commend, Mr Dele Oshinowo, the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for heeding the calls of the centre.
He especially applauded the House Committee on Local Government and Rural Development as well as the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petition and LASIEC for their roles in ensuring that the market was approved for business.
Omotehinse recalled that the centre 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 letter between the market association and the council on December 21, 2023.
He said that CHSR as a reputable human and socio-economic rights organisation, on behalf of the market association then wrote a letter to both the office of Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA for intervention.
According to him, on January 4, 2024, the CHSR with other civil society organisations led thousands of Orilowo perishable foods market traders to Lagos Assembly on peaceful protest.
He said that rights activists went 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”.
Omotehinse said that the group request the intervention of the Lagos Assembly to avert state of anarchy in Agboyi-ketu council area over the denial of the market registration.
The right activist revealed that after an extensive engagements with the house and those who opposed the registration, the market got approval, hence the opening for operation.
He said that it took the intervention of the CSHR to disabuse the mind of some relevant government agencies who were also raising concerns about potential environmental nuisance.
Omotehinse said: “After all these struggles, smiles are now put to the faces of the traders when the House intervened and resolved the differences in the resolution, where all parties agreed to.
“The association went further to perfect the documentation for the approval of the market, which was approved by Agboyi-ketu LCDA through an official provisional approval letter dated January 15.
“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 hopeless market men and women whose sources of livelihood were threatened.
“The state assembly has always, through its standing committees, interfaced and resolved various issues that are affecting residents of the state, which make people referred to them as People’s Assembly, and the cynosure of parliamentary dictum in the country.”.
Speaking, the Market Leader, Alhaji Isiaka Orilowo, appreciated the Lagos Assembly, the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, and CHSR or their support in getting the approval for the market.
Orilowo promised that the market would provide perishable foods at affordable prices for the residents of the state.
He also assured the traders of protection and adequate security as they trade in the market.
