Tribal clash in lagos Market

Igbo, Yoruba clash over leadership at Lagos market
September 17, 2015 at 10:07 pm in News FacebookTwitterSMSWhatsApp
By Bose Adelaja
The Yoruba and Igbo factions of
a major association in the Olugbede Model Market in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos are poised for a showdown which could result to loss of lives and property if not nipped in the bud.
The Model Market was rated as one of the most peaceable markets in Lagos State until recently when crisis erupted among members of the GSM Association who constitutes about 95 per cent of the market population.
The situation would degenerate and extend to the host Egbeda community except urgent measures are taken by Lagos State Marketing Board, traditional rulers and other concerned authorities.
Historically, the Model market was reportedly started by some Yoruba traders about 40 years ago but due to the relocation challenges being faced by Ikeja GSM village, some Igbo GSM traders were said to have run to Olugbede Model market for succor and were received with open arms but gradually, the ‘visitors’ were said to have increased in number and dominated every sphere of the market.
Conducive accommodation
Also, because of the peaceful and friendly nature of the Yorubas, the Igbos were not only allocated shops and stalls but were assisted in securing conducive accommodation in Egbeda and its environs for stress free business transaction but the step was later regretted by the ‘hosts’ as the supposed ‘visitors’ seems to gain momentum and turned the table round, a step that has resulted into crises among traders of the model market as well as Egbeda youths who are uncomfortable with the way and manner their kinsmen are being treated.
For this reason, the Yoruba traders now liken the development to the case of a man who invited a neighbour to the dining table but due to the satisfaction derived from the delicacy, the neighbour turned around to hold-on to the feeding hand in order to take possession of the whole meal.