The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has intervened and given directive for the re-construction and re-development of demolished shops at the Ayangburen Sabo Market, Ikorodu.
The Governor’s intervention was coming on the heels of the impasse between the shop owners and the Ikorodu Local Government on the choice of contractor for the re-construction of shops in the section, which led to the illegal demolition of the entire shops and warehouses in the Block ‘B’ section by alleged unknown council officials and a contractor in the early hours of Thursday, May 4, 2017.
Meanwhile, in the new arrangement based on the Governor’s intervention and directive, the demolished shops are to be redeveloped by Road Maker Nigeria Limited, a construction company appointed by the Block ‘B’ Shop owners, which has a time frame of six months to complete the job.
Also, traders are to pay four hundred thousand(N400,000) per shop instead of six hundred thousand Naira(N600,000) that was previously demanded by the contractor picked by the council while the issuance of allocation papers to the occupiers is to be handled by the council. Following the Governor’s intervention also, the parties have settled the instituted court case amicably out of court based on agreed terms of settlement while a court judgement has consequently been delivered to authenticate the amicable settlement.
In an interview with Oriwu Sun, Mr. Patrick M. Nwabuisi, the Chairman of Block ‘B’ section of the market confirmed Governor Ambode’s approval of the contractor for the reconstruction of the demolished shops. He also made available to Oriwu Sun a copy of the approval letter by the Ikorodu Local Government awarding the contract for the redevelopment of the shops to Road Maker Nigeria Limited.
In the terms of reference stated in the council’s approval letter, which was dated July 18, 2017 and signed by Adedeko M.O., Head of Administration, it is stated that the completion time is six months from the date of acceptance of this agreement and that the property reverts to the Local Government after sales and stipulated years of administration.
Also that the council has the right to revoke this approval for breach of agreement and for any other overriding purposes or interests. It also stipulated that the council should issue allocation papers to occupiers and that the company would ensure peaceful co-existence in the market and clean environment.
Mr. Nwabuisi commended Governor Ambode, Alhaji Muslim Folami, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs and Oba Kabiru Shotobi for their timely intervention. He stated that the traders have withdrawn their suit based on the state government’s directive and agreed to settle out of court. According to him, a judgement had already been delivered by Justice L.B Lawal Akepo of Ikorodu High Court to confirm the amicable settlement between the traders and Ikorodu Local government.
In the terms of settlement dated July 7, 2017, and signed by Patrick M. Nwabuisi, Akinbiyi Suyi and Mrs. V.A Olagbemi (claimants) on behalf of the shop owners of Block ‘B’ section and Sole Administrator, Ikorodu Local Government and Prince A.B Yesufu-Oshinlekun, Legal Officer, Ikorodu Local Government (Defendants), a copy of which was given to Oriwu Sun. It was stated as follows:
“Sequel to the legal impasse between the shop owners and the Ikorodu Local government on the issue of the developer of the shop owners’ choice, the Lagos State Governor intervenes and the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs resolved the impasse by giving concession to the developer of the shop owners.
In view of this intervention, the parties have resolved to settle this matter amicably on the terms here-in-after, stated:
·That the claimants having been given the right to choose any developer of their choice by the defendants have selected the Road Maker Nigeria Limited to re-develop the said shops; that the parties shall bear their respective costs and this shall become the judgement of this court between the parties.
Also in the court judgement dated July 10, 2017, a copy of which was given to Oriwu Sun, Justice Akapo pronounced that, “The terms of settlement is hereby made the judgement of this court and in this suit.”
Mr. Nwabuisi said the increment from three hundred thousand(N300,000), from the quotation per shop last year to four hundred thousand Naira(N400,000) was to enable the contractor do quality job since the cost of materials has increased.
The Chairman of the traders also expressed satisfaction with the memorandum of understanding signed with the contractor, Road Maker Nigeria Limited, explaining that he had already moved to site.
Meanwhile, in a brief interview with the CEO, Road Maker, Engr. Daniel Osazuwa, he assured the traders that his company would construct quality shops with strict adherence to the given specification and would strive to deliver before deadline of six months.