Computer Village Traders Warn Folashade Tinubu-Ojo to Stop Levy Imposition or Face Lawsuit

The Incorporated Trustees of Computer Village Market Traders and Stakeholders Joint Management have issued a cease-and-desist notice to Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, over the imposition of levies and alleged disruptions in the market.

The matter has escalated to the point where the traders, represented by Falana and Falana’s Chambers, have warned Tinubu-Ojo of impending legal action due to these perceived violations.

“Our client is aware that you have approached several of our client’s partners to secure their commitments to you,” the notice stated.

“We have instructions to caution you against any further demands or communications with our client’s partners, including but not limited to Oppo, Proview, Samsung, Big and Bold, among others, as the commodity association of the Women and Men Market Association, under which you were appointed by the Lagos State Government, has no authority within Computer Village,” read part of the notice, which was signed by Taiwo Olawanle and Adebayo Oniyelu of Falana and Falana’s Chambers.

The traders accused Tinubu-Ojo of resuming these actions despite a 2020 court ruling restraining her from such conduct. They allege her actions have included deploying thugs to the market, disrupting business activities, and exerting undue pressure on their business associates.

In 2020, the Ikeja High Court, in Suit No. ID/9039MFHR/19, had issued a judgement restraining Tinubu-Ojo and her agents from imposing and collecting levies within Computer Village, citing a lack of legal justification.

The legal notice served by Falana and Falana’s Chambers outlines the grievances against Tinubu-Ojo’s continued interference in market operations. The traders argue that neither Tinubu-Ojo nor her representative at the market, Mrs. Abisola Azeez, has the lawful authority to collect levies. They contend that her actions are not supported by the Lagos State Market Advisory Council Law, which limits her powers.

The traders have warned that if these disruptions continue, they will initiate further legal proceedings, highlighting the potential economic consequences for a market that generates over ₦300 billion annually.

This development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing struggle for control over the market, where traders have consistently resisted the imposition of an Iyaloja, citing the modern nature of the market and its regulation by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation.

The traders have called on Tinubu-Ojo to respect the court ruling by halting the imposition of levies and have demanded fairness and greater transparency in the management of the market.

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