Market Leader Storms Ladipo Market After 5 Year In ‘Limbo’

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

There was tension at Ladipo Auto Spare Parts market in Lagos, over the sudden entry by the former president of the Aguiyi-Ironsi International Trade Center, Chief Jonathan Okoli with his supporters.

This happened after the embattled Chief Okoli was prevented from entering the market for over five years over the leadership crises that eventually eased him out of power.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Okoli had several cases with the traders and the state government, to the extent that the court barred him from entering the market which he had since upturned.

However, his attempt to enter into his office at the market has been resisted by some traders who were reportedly apprehensive of his coming to the market which they claimed will further escalate the crises.

It was gathered that Okoli’s first attempt to enter the market with his supporters was resisted and he was reportedly attacked at the entrance gate during the crises and injured.

However, peace seemed to be gradually returning to the market as he entered the market without any form of molestation and attack from the traders who did not want him in the market.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that his entrance was made possible following the intervention of the police team led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP A. Olasoji in charge of Zone D Command Mushin, Lagos.

It was gathered that since the Area Commander took over, he had been making efforts to settle the rift between Okoli and traders which had lingered for several years.

Some of the traders who spoke to P.M.EXPRESS claimed that they were not really against Okoli coming into the market to do his business, but the manner he had wanted to come into the market was their concern.

The traders said that Okoli’s supporters had told them that he was coming to chase away the current leadership and take over.
This was collaborated by the Chairman of the market, Chief Cyril Onyemaechi who said that Okoli was free to enter the market to do his business and not with thugs.

Onyemaechi said that the traders were against his entry when he mobilised some thugs and attempted to enter the market to take over the leadership.

However, Okoli had denied that he wanted to take over the leadership and added that it was his popularity that the leaders were afraid of and thought he will use it to take over the market. He said he had many properties in the market but was not allowed to enter the market to do his business for those years.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the parties have sheathed their swords and were now ready to embrace peace which is being facilitated by the police.

However, what was not certain was how the parties will settle about 15 court cases both civil and criminal matters that involved millions of naira in claims and counter claims by parties.