Over 2,000 traders at the Alaba Rago Wing of Alaba International Market, Lagos, have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of their shops.

The traders claim the demolitions have left them jobless, destroying their livelihoods.

In a petition addressed to the governor and dated 20 December 2024, the traders, through their lawyer Leon Mbakwe, detailed their grievances, urging Sanwo-Olu to come to their aid.

The petition states: ?Our clients, who hold valid and current allocation papers, have had part of their properties unlawfully demolished, with the remaining structures at risk of total destruction. This action disregards their constitutional right to own immovable property and ignores due process.?

The petition also referenced a demolition that occurred in 2023, when the state government tore down several distressed buildings at Alaba International Market in Ojo for safety reasons.

The owners and tenants of these buildings were informed of the demolition and were part of the process.

However, the petitioner claimed that this year, without any official notification or clear justification, individuals have begun destroying shops that are not located in the distressed buildings.

According to the affected traders: ?The shops are neither dilapidated nor structurally compromised, and the traders still hold valid allocation papers. No negotiations or compensation have been offered for the demolished properties.? (Daily Sun)