The Aguiyi Ironsi International Market, popularly known as Ladipo Market, has been thrown into turmoil following a contentious election attempt defying a Lagos State High Court order.
The crisis began after the market’s Chairman, Chief Chukwuma Onyebinanma, insisted on conducting elections in violation of a court injunction prohibiting such actions.
This development prompted the Mushin Local Government, which owns the market, to step in, shut down the market, and take control in a bid to restore peace.
Defying the Court Order
Chief Onyebinanma was reportedly served with an injunction issued by Justice A.M. Lawal of the Lagos State High Court on October 8, 2024.
The court order, with suit number ID/8580GCM/2024, barred any elections in the market and extended the injunction for an additional 21 days.
Despite this, Onyebinanma allegedly went ahead with preparations to hold the election, appointing close associates to the electoral committee and setting the date for November 16, 2024.
In a show of defiance, the chairman ignored warnings from the Commissioner of Police and continued with his plans.
“Chief Onyebinanma blatantly disregarded the law and chose to act as though the court’s directives do not apply to him,” said a source familiar with the matter.
Secret Election Sparks Violence
According to eyewitnesses, Onyebinanma, along with members of the electoral committee, attempted to conduct the election in secret.
Under the cover of night, canopies, chairs, and ballot papers were set up in the market, while security personnel reportedly loyal to the chairman were stationed to oversee the process.
When news of the planned election reached law enforcement, the Commissioner of Police deployed officers to stop the proceedings.
However, the situation escalated into violence as the chairman’s security team clashed with traders opposed to the election.
Police officers at the scene were initially overpowered but received reinforcement from the Commissioner of Police’s Task Force.
Several individuals, including Onyebinanma, the vice-chairman Cajetan Anigbo, and the electoral committee chairman Fatai Adefat, were arrested and flown to Abuja for further questioning.
Mushin LG Steps In
The Mushin Local Government swiftly intervened, shutting down the market to prevent further violence.
The local government also deployed additional police officers to secure the area.
“When our correspondent visited, the market was calm, and police officers were stationed at the entrances to maintain order,” reported P.M. EXPRESS.
Thugs and security guards allegedly hired by Onyebinanma to enforce the election have since fled the market and are said to be in hiding.
Facing the Consequences
Chief Onyebinanma is now facing legal consequences for his actions.
Forms 48 and 49 have been filed against him for contempt of court, with proceedings underway to commit him to prison.
He is also facing charges of violent attacks on traders who opposed his plans.
“The chairman’s actions are a clear case of disregard for the rule of law. He must be held accountable for disrupting the peace and endangering lives,” said a market insider.
Meanwhile, traders opposing Onyebinanma’s leadership have expressed relief at the intervention of the Mushin Local Government.
Leaders Go Underground
The secretary of the market’s Board of Trustees, Chief Cyril Onyemaechi, has reportedly gone underground since the crisis began.
Repeated attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful.
The Mushin Local Government has assured traders and stakeholders that steps are being taken to resolve the crisis and reopen the market soon.
“We are committed to ensuring peace and fairness in Ladipo Market. The law will take its course, and order will be restored,” said a local government spokesperson.
