…insists markets must comply fully to protect the environment and residents.
The Mayor of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, has issued a strict one-week ultimatum to all markets within the council to clear accumulated refuse or face immediate closure.
Okeowo, who invited the Market Leaders, Bales and Security operatives expressed strong displeasure over what he described as “an intolerable level of filth,” noting that only a few markets currently comply with basic hygiene and waste-management standards in the LCDA.
He warned that the council would not hesitate to shut down non-compliant markets if refuse dumps were not cleared within the stipulated period.
“Out of all our markets, only a few are in good sanitary condition. Dumping refuse on the roadside and inside gutters causes flooding and environmental hazards. Our community cannot continue to suffer because of negligence,” he said.
“I intended to seal the markets immediately, but the leaders pleaded for time. We agreed on one week to clear the rubbish. Our law-enforcement officers were present and will monitor compliance. We are brothers and relatives, but the right thing must be done.”
The council boss explained that the intervention became necessary due to the alarming volume of refuse observed in market areas, stressing that the health implications for residents could no longer be ignored.
“It may seem like a state government responsibility, but we must take proactive steps to arrest this situation. The refuse menace has reached an intolerable height,” he said.
The Leader of the Ifelodun 6th Legislative House, Hon. Ilesanmi Elijah Oluwatosin, who intervened when the council chairman initially considered shutting down the markets, commended Hon Okeowo for opting for dialogue rather than immediate sanctions.
He lauded the mayor for involving market leaders, traditional heads (bales), and security agencies in a roundtable discussion aimed at restoring environmental sanity.
“Many council chairmen would have locked down the markets without hesitation, but our chairman has shown magnanimity by hearing all sides,” Ilesanmi noted.
“I appeal to market leaders to honour the gentleman agreement reached here. Go back, clean your markets, and avoid a possible four-week closure.”
He further clarified that the chairman has never demanded goodwill or favours from market associations and urged traders not to create avoidable problems that could attract sanctions from the Ministry of Environment.
Stakeholders, including the Iya Oja, Baba Oja, Market Secretaries, Bales were present during the engagement.
Other Security heads present were CSP Olaniran Ismaila Oladayo of Pako Police division and his colleague from Layeni Police Division.
Speaking on behalf of Coker, Agric, and Odunade markets, the Iya oja of Odunade,Coker and Agric markets, a member of the Lagos State Market Advisory Council (LASMAC) and a stakeholder, Chief Mrs Abimbola Adegunle Jinadu explained that traders in those markets pay upfront to LAWMA for waste evacuation but complained that the agency has recently failed to promptly return their refuse bins.
She however argued that much of the waste found around their markets corridors are generated by surrounding communities, not traders.
Despite the concerns raised, the council chairman maintained that all markets must comply fully within one week, stressing that environmental health and public safety remain top priorities for his administration.
