The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to instruct the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to shut down Yard 158 Events Centre in Oregun due to its consistent failure to respond to official invitations related to a pending consumer complaint. This decision follows a motion presented by Abiodun Tobun, Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, who highlighted the company’s alleged non-cooperation in an ongoing investigation.
The complaint was filed by Mrs. Nurat Alaba, who paid N3 million to reserve the venue for an event scheduled for December 21, 2025. After requesting a date change to December 20, 2025, she was informed that a 33% cancellation fee would apply. Although she accepted the condition, the company later changed its stance, calculating the fee based on the full event cost of N6.5 million instead of the N3 million already paid.
Despite multiple invitations from the House and LASCOPA, neither the owner nor any representative of Yard 158 Events Centre has appeared before the committee. Tobun expressed concern over the company’s disregard for authority, emphasizing the need for decisive action. He appealed to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to compel the management to appear before the House, enabling the committee to conclude its investigation and submit its report.
Supporting the motion, lawmakers emphasized the importance of protecting the legislature’s authority and ensuring that businesses comply with lawful directives. They noted that the company’s defiance undermines the process of restoring order and fairness in the state. Speaker Obasa directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the resolution to the relevant authorities for immediate action.
The incident highlights the need for consumer protection agencies to effectively address complaints and ensure that businesses operate within the law. The Lagos State House of Assembly’s resolution demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rights of consumers and promoting a fair business environment. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how similar complaints are handled in the future.
