Traders at Lagos’s prominent Computer Village have taken legal action against Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, over alleged unlawful imposition of levies and disruptions in their market.
The traders have issued a formal cease and desist notice to Tinubu-Ojo, seeking to stop her from interfering in their business operations.
On August 28, 2024, the Incorporated Trustees of Computer Village Market Traders and Stakeholders Joint Management, which represents various market associations in Computer Village, served a cease and desist notice to Tinubu-Ojo.
This notice was delivered by Falana and Falana’s Chambers, the legal firm representing the traders.
The notice accuses Tinubu-Ojo of unlawfully collecting levies from the traders and using thugs to disrupt market activities.
This action allegedly continues despite a court ruling from December 2020 that barred Tinubu-Ojo and her agents from imposing levies within Computer Village.
The notice highlights that Tinubu-Ojo’s actions are not only illegal but have caused significant disruption to market operations.
“Our client is not unaware that you have contacted our client’s several partners to make their commitments to you,” the legal notice reads.
It continues, “We have instructions to warn against any further demand or communication to our client’s partners because the commodity association of the Women and Men Market Association, which is the basis of your appointment by the Lagos State Government, has no membership in Computer Village.”
Computer Village in Ikeja is one of Africa’s largest ICT and is home to numerous associations, including the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (PAPDA), the Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association (COMTEAN), and the Association of Mobile Communication Devices Engineers and Technicians (AMCODET).
The legal conflict with Tinubu-Ojo dates back to 2019 when the traders opposed the appointment of an Iyaloja for the market.
The traders argued that the traditional role of an Iyaloja, which generally involves overseeing market activities and settling disputes, was unnecessary for a modern technological market like Computer Village.
Despite their objections, the appointment was confirmed, leading to ongoing tensions.
The traders’ recent grievances include the appointment of Mrs. Abisola Azeez as the Iyaloja of Computer Village. They claim Azeez has no legitimate stake or shop in Computer Village, questioning her authority.
The traders’ notice also references the Lagos State Market Advisory Council Law, which outlines the powers and limitations of market authorities.
According to Section 8 of the law, Tinubu-Ojo’s office does not have the authority to collect levies or interfere in the internal affairs of markets like Computer Village.
The traders argue that even if there were such powers, Computer Village falls outside the jurisdiction of this law.
Falana and Falana’s Chambers have warned Tinubu-Ojo to cease any further interference or face legal action, including claims for costs incurred due to the alleged disruptions.
The traders emphasize that they are prepared to pursue all available legal remedies to protect their rights and business interests.
This legal dispute is the latest development in a series of conflicts over the control and regulation of Computer Village.
The market traders have long advocated for their autonomy, arguing that traditional market management practices are incompatible with the modern, technology-focused nature of Computer Village.
In 2019, when the appointment of an Iyaloja was announced, many traders protested, asserting that the market was already regulated by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation.
They argued that the appointment was redundant and did not align with the market’s technological and commercial needs.
