Alaba Rago: Why Sanwo-Olu reversed ultimatum on relocation of traders
The 14-day quit notice issued to traders of Alaba Rago International Market in Ojo, Lagos, may have been reversed following the intervention of the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The reversal of the quit notice was to avert the impending displacement of thousands of traders from the market following disagreement over its development.
It was learnt that leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community had met the governor on Monday where the governor reportedly reversed the order.
Those who met with the governor include Seriki Hausa of Lagos, Aminu Dogara, and his vice, as well as the Seriki Fulani of Lagos, Mohammed Bambado.
Sanwo-Olu was said to have directed that the traders and shop owners should go ahead with their legitimate businesses at the market pending when a formal agreement and development plan would be reached between both parties.
The governor was said to have stepped down the ultimatum during a meeting at the State House, Ikeja, though there was no official statement from the government.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, said he was not privy to the meeting.
It was reported that the meeting came hours after former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, met the Hausa traders at Alaba Rago where he kicked against the planned relocation of the traders.
At the meeting with the governor, the leaders were said to have appealed to him to use his prerogative of mercy to lift the order placed on the market, which is expected to elapse on June 2, 2022.
The Babaloja of Alaba Rago Market 1, Ali Malami, who confirmed the reversal of the quit notice, said the governor gave the traders assurance that the market would not be brought down on the approved date and that there would be more engagements between the government and traders, as well as shop owners. (Daily Trust)
