The 6th Legislative Arm of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under the leadership of Hon Ilesanmi Elijah Oluwatosin( Adimula) has continued to demonstrate maturity and commitment to effective lawmaking as it waded into a dispute between two business groups operating along the KM 3 axis of the Badagry Expressway.
At its plenary session on Thursday, the Councilors invited representatives of the United Allied Marble and Granite Dealers Association and the Irepodun Mechanical and Technicians Association of Nigeria, following a formal petition alleging harassment of mechanics by the marble dealers at the Coker–Alafia Street Marble Market.
The session commenced with the traditional movement of the Mace, moved by the Councillor for Ward C, Hon. Adeola Wasiu Adebayo that the Mace be moved from the Upper bracket to the lower bracket, and was seconded by the Councillor for Ward B, Prince Ajibola Ojora-Adejinyan. The Clerk of the House, Mrs Oyewole Odubona, presented the petition as the first item on the day’s agenda.
Welcoming both parties, the Leader of the House, Hon. Ilesanmi Elijah Oluwatosin, stressed that the legislative chamber was not a courtroom but a forum to foster peace.
“We are not here to judge or escalate issues. This is a fact-finding mission aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Representing the United Allied Marble Association, its Secretary, Mr Chinedu Nosike Nwokeji Akuma, said the union purchased its land legally and had never chased mechanics from their space. He expressed surprise that the matter was taken before the legislature, suggesting that the petitioners “may have other motives.”
However, the Irepodun Mechanical and Technicians Association maintained its position that members had been subjected to intimidation.
The Council Leader reminded both parties that the Ifelodun Council Chairman,Hon Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo and the member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Lukman Saad Olumoh are aware of this action being taken by the Ifelodun Legislative Arm under the leadership of Hon Ilesanmi Elijah Oluwatosin(Adimula) in resolving this lingering issue and urged restraint.
Market Master of the LCDA, Comrade Dickson Taofic Oluwatoyin Bashua, confirmed that the mechanics were officially relocated to the government setback during the administration of former Chairman Hon. Fatai Ajidagba. He emphasised the need for both groups to maintain peace.
Honourable Adeola Adebayor, Chairman of the Works Committee, explained that the Council’s intention was not to condemn any party but to mediate for harmony.
“We urge both associations to coexist peacefully. This environment sustains your livelihoods; therefore, dialogue is essential,” he said.
Councilor representing Ward D, Ajibola Yusuph Ishola, said there was no need to “parade around the issue,” stressing that the council had a duty to facilitate a peaceful resolution. He appealed to all parties involved to allow peace to prevail.
Also speaking, the Councilor for Ward A, Safiu Taoreed Aderemi, noted that the issues at stake were already well known to all sides. He reminded members of the Marble Dealers Association that they were all friends and urged them to prioritise harmony in resolving the dispute.
The atmosphere shifted when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Pako Division, CSP Olaniran Ismaila Oladayo who was also invited by the House for more insights on the matter, entered the chamber during deliberations. The Deputy Leader, Hon. Jide Adekola Sarumi (JAS), commended the police chief’s presence and reaffirmed that the land in contention was spacious enough to accommodate both groups without conflict.
CSP Olaniran, who had earlier attempted mediating between the parties, reiterated his call for peaceful resolution.
“This matter is minor and should not escalate. With mutual consideration, it can be resolved amicably,” he advised.
The Leader of the House, Hon. Ilesanmi, praised the DPO’s professionalism and intelligence in handling the crisis.
Adding his voice, Prince Ajibola Ojora-Adejinyan appealed for unity, noting that the community thrives when Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba residents live peacefully.
After listening to all submissions, the House resolved to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the disputed location.
Hon. Ilesanmi announced that Councillors, alongside the DPO, Market Master and Secretary of Council, would visit the site by 3 p.m. on Monday to conclude findings and issue a formal resolution.
