By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Government Area, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, has denied any involvement in the demolition of the Owode Onirin Market and the alleged assault on mobile police officers.
Speaking at a press conference attended by key stakeholders—including the Chairman of Agbajowo Market, Thaddeus Idaewor, the Baale of Onirin Market, representatives of Kolad Concept Limited, and the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of Alapere and Owode Onirin—Oshinowo dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated.
“I want to categorically state that I know nothing about the demolition of the Owode Onirin Market,” Oshinowo said. “There is also an accusation that I organized area boys to beat up mobile police officers, which is totally untrue.”
According to the chairman, four police officers were arrested and detained, after which a viral report falsely claimed he orchestrated the attack. He maintained that the story was baseless and aimed at tarnishing his image.
Oshinowo clarified that the local government had entered into a legal agreement with the judgment creditor over the disputed property, which spans 4.4 acres. Under the arrangement, the local government was allocated 40 percent of the land, while 60 percent went to the judgment owner. He noted that the remaining 22.2 acres of land in the market area still belong to the local government.
“The statement going viral that I demolished the market is malicious and purely political,” he said. “The individual who made that reckless statement is only trying to gain public sympathy for her election.”
Addressing the market representatives, the chairman urged them to collaborate with the local government, assuring them that due process would be followed regarding compensation and documentation.
The press conference served as an opportunity for Oshinowo to set the record straight, with several stakeholders at the event expressing support for his position and commitment to a peaceful resolution of the dispute.