Tensions have escalated in Lagos’ Computer Village as members of the Coalition of Associations accused the market’s traditional leaders—the Babaloja, Adeniyi Olasoji, and the Iyaloja, Abisola Azeez—of disrupting a recent visit by Thai investors.
In a statement released on Monday, coalition leaders Timi David (President), Jerry Mba (Secretary), and D.S. Ademola (Spokesperson), alleged that the June 23 visit by representatives from the Thailand Embassy, arranged to explore business partnerships with local traders, was deliberately obstructed by the market board. They described the incident as a calculated attempt to undermine progress and foreign investment.
The coalition said the disruption occurred despite a court order restraining the Babaloja, Iyaloja, and other board members from interfering in the affairs of the associations.
“The Iyaloja of Computer Village, illegally and unconstitutionally, came with unknown individuals to disrupt the visit,” the coalition said. They argued the actions were contrary to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda aimed at attracting foreign investment.
The group further emphasized their constitutional right to associate and hold discussions with international business partners, warning that any further interference would be “massively resisted.”
Responding to the allegations, Babaloja Olasoji denied any attempt to disrupt the meeting. He said the delegates were only stopped because the coalition failed to follow proper procedures by bypassing the market board.
“They called to inform us but didn’t bring the guests to us first as agreed. We simply stopped them from accessing the market,” he said.
Backing Olasoji’s claims, the board’s treasurer, Murphy Akinsanya, said only the Babaloja and Iyaloja were legally recognized by the Lagos State Government to oversee market affairs, replacing the previous leadership structure run by associations.
