Residents of the Iyana Ejigbo area of Lagos state have taken to the streets to protest the conversion of a major road in the community for use as a market. The residents, who are mainly commuters and motorists, have appealed to the government to put an end to the development, which they say has caused severe congestion and frequent traffic on the road.
According to one of the protesters, Oluwaseyi Adebowale, “We are not against the establishment of a market, but it should not be in the middle of a major road. This has made it difficult for us to maneuver and it has caused a lot of accidents. The place is very congested and there is no space for pedestrians and vehicles to move.”
Another resident, Mrs. Bilikisu Lawal, voiced her concern about the impact on the community’s safety. “It is very dangerous for us, especially for those of us who have to walk to work. We have to dodge moving vehicles, and this can be fatal. We are appealing to the government to intervene and relocate the market to a more suitable location.”
The protesters also complained about the impact on business and the environment. They claim that the market generates a lot of waste and that the smell of decomposing food has become unbearable. The noise level in the area has also increased considerably, making it difficult for many residents to sleep at night.
However, some of the market traders have defended their presence, arguing that they have been conducting business in the area for many years. “We have been here for over a decade, and nobody complained. We are just trying to make a living. If the government wants to relocate us, they should provide us with an alternative location,” said Mrs. Abike Adebayo, a vegetable seller in the market.
The Lagos State government has yet to respond to the protesters’ demands, but many observers have noted that this is not an isolated incident. Similar protests have arisen in other parts of Lagos over the past few years, as residents have resisted attempts to convert roads for commercial use. It remains to be seen whether the government will intervene and respond to the needs of the community.
