Alleged market possession: Court extends reconciliation meeting between LG, traders

An Ikeja High Court on Friday approved extension of time for Lagos Mainland Local Government to hold a reconciliation meeting with aggrieved traders of White Sand Market, Otto, Oyinbo in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the traders, through their representatives, Mrs Sherifat Abeke, Alhaji Garba Malam and Orji Onuoha, had alleged that the local government threatened to take over the market from them on the pretext of demolishing and reconstructing it.

During proceedings on Friday, Justice Idowu Akinkunmi held that it was expedient to encourage amicable settlement between the parties.

Akinkunmi adjourned until Oct. 23 for report of the settlement.

Earlier, Mr Mutiu Quadri, who represented the complainants (traders), told the court that counsel of both parties had a meeting on Thursday and reached a certain stage.

“We, however, urge the court to give us more time for the parties to meet.

“The lawyers have met but the parties have not met,” Quadri said.

Counsel to the local government, Mr Tope Kolawole, also confirmed to the court that counsel to parties had met but more time was needed for the complainants and the respondent to meet.

“We had a fruitful discussion yesterday, and we have turned up proposed terms, but we plead with the court for more time for the parties to meet,” Kolawole said.

The court had on Sept. 28 ordered that the local government should hold a reconciliation meeting with the traders.

The court had directed the parties to deliberate on issues regarding demolition and reconstruction of the market and also ordered acceleration hearing of the suit.

The suit numbered LD/70789CM/2022 was filed by the traders against the local government and Lagos State attorney-general and commissioner for justice as the first and second respondents, respectively. (NAN)