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Alaba Market Traders President Refutes Demolition Notice Claims
Traders at the renowned Alaba International market in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State are expressing their distress after several of their properties were unlawfully demolished.
The market, which is predominantly occupied by Igbo traders, has been facing a demolition crisis that has caused significant concern among the business community.
During a visit to the demolition site, Hon. Geofrey Udochukwu Mbonu, the President-General of Alaba Amalgamated Council of Sectional Heads, strongly refuted the claims made by officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) regarding prior warning notices.
Mbonu explained that the market’s leadership was not consulted or informed about any proposed demolition plans.
He further revealed that armed policemen accompanied the officials who arrived at the market on Friday, June 16th, 2023, without seeking a meeting with the market’s representatives.
Mbonu expressed sadness over the development,stating that the government took them unawares, carrying out the exercise unexpectedly, causing severe damage to traders.
He said “We are under a local government, where huge revenue is generated,we pay tax and what government did was to demolish our buildings alongside,the victims wares within the space of two days,”
According to Mbonu, the unfortunate chain of events began on Friday, June 16th, 2023, when officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSSBCA) and armed policemen were observed within the market premises.
Subsequently, on Sunday, traders’ properties were demolished.
Highlighting some of the claims put forward by the government, Mbonu mentioned that certain structures were allegedly constructed on waterways, resulting in the obstruction of drainages and contributing to flooding, particularly during the rainy seasons.
He also emphasized that Lagos has historically been a swampy area, and the Igbo traders have always played a significant role in the development of the state.
Expressing their grievances, the traders clarified that they do not oppose the government’s fulfillment of its primary responsibilities.
However, they strongly criticize the manner in which the authorities have carried out the demolitions, without providing prior warning notices and lacking a humane approach to resolve the issue.
Mbonu further revealed that during each visit, the officials demanded authorization papers without issuing any notice of demolition.
He pointed out that buildings located near the canal, which had been identified as dilapidated and distressed, had been marked for demolition for several years.
However, the officials consistently requested paperwork on each visit. Mbonu questioned the destruction of new buildings that were not in proximity to the canal, including their secretariat and other recently constructed structures, which were also demolished by LASBCA.
He said “Authorization paper implies. If your building is in a very bad condition you will be told to break it. Lagos state is a swampy area, when they came last year, what they asked was paper.
“It was about two weeks ago they came with armed policemen to the market, I saw them,they didn’t contact the leadership of the market about demolition.
“This market is under the Local Government They only spoke about it on Friday, June 16th,2023. They didn’t give traders time to vacate the place. The demolition took place with our goods and documents destroyed.
“This is one of the biggest market in West Africa that should not be toiled with. Revenue generation in Alaba is enormous. The tiers of government is supposed to carry, Alaba traders along in their decision because they are Nigerians.
“I am the leader of one of the sections demolished by the government.My office is gone,our secretariat we build recently have been demolished. As traders we were not aware of the imminent demolition of certain structures in the market.” He added
Chief Camillus Amajuoyi, the President of Alaba International Market Association’s electronics section, expressed his surprise at the unexpected demolition.
He stated that not only were the authorities demolishing structures that were in good condition, but they were also destroying dilapidated ones in the process.
He said “The LASBCA issued a notice on Friday, June 16th, they came with armed policemen,So I made some calls I called Ojo Local Government Chairman to inform him of the development.
“I inquired if he was aware that properties are being destroyed in Alaba.The Ojo LG chairman said he was aware, he started that the properties that would be destroyed were the ones marked for years.
Amajuoyi expressed his shock and disbelief upon witnessing the extent of the ongoing demolitions. He recounted contacting the Local Government (LG) boss, who explained that the demolitions were being carried out as a preventive measure to avert potential disasters and protect lives.
The LG boss stated that he was also taken aback when his Chief Security Officer informed him about the demolition activities.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
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Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.
The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.
ALSO READ: JUST IN: Senegal Stuns Hosts Morocco To Lift AFCON 2025 Trophy
“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.
FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.
However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.
The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.
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