Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the House of Representatives member for Kosofe Federal Constituency, has stirred controversy following a recent meeting with traders at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. Sources close to the market claim Ogbara used the platform to directly criticize Mayor Dele Oshinowo, the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA Chairman, over the March 6, 2025, demolition of over 500 shops, intensifying political tensions in Kosofe.

The meeting, held on April 20, 2025, was intended to address traders’ grievances after the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) demolished parts of the market to enforce a Supreme Court judgment favoring Omo Onile landowners. Traders, who lost goods worth billions of naira, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with local authorities, particularly Oshinowo, for not preventing the demolition. Ogbara’s visit claimed to demonstrate federal support, but her remarks shifted blame towards Oshinowo, prompting accusations of political opportunism. In a viral video on social media, Ogbara claimed that Agboyi-Ketu LCDA demolished the market, that she however wasn’t sure if it was with the Governor’s consent, but she would reach out to him to find out. Critics faulted her actions as to why she didn’t make her findings ahead of the meeting before blindly making statements for political gain.

According to market leader Abiodun Hammed, Ogbara expressed sympathy for the traders’ plight and promised to escalate their demands for compensation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, she allegedly implied that Oshinowo’s administration could have done more to engage stakeholders and avert the crisis, a statement many interpreted as throwing Oshinowo “under the bus.” “She said the local government should have fought harder for us, but Oshinowo made it clear to us he wasn’t involved. It feels like they’re pointing fingers while we suffer,” Hammed told Kosofe Inside-Out reporter.

Oshinowo, who maintained that the demolition was driven by Omo Onile and LASBCA without his involvement, reportedly declined to comment on Ogbara’s remarks. A resident of Ajelogo, speaking anonymously, accused Ogbara of exploiting the traders’ pain to boost her political profile ahead of future elections. “The federal constituency she represents include Agboyi-Ketu. Why didn’t she (Ogbara) intervene before the demolition? Why did the pleas of Owode Onirin market leaders fall on her deaf ears before the demolition? This is just grandstanding,” the source said.

The Owode Onirin demolition has been a flashpoint in Kosofe, with traders protesting at the Lagos State House of Assembly on March 27, 2025, demanding justice. The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has also called for an investigation, labeling the demolition a violation of traders’ rights. Ogbara’s meeting, while welcomed by some traders, has deepened divisions, with others questioning her motives. “We need solutions, not politicians blaming each other,” said trader Wasiu Adeyemi.

Political analysts suggest Ogbara’s comments reflect broader tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kosofe, where she competes for influence with local leaders like Oshinowo, Kosofe LG Chairman Moyo Ogunlewe, Samiat Bada of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and state lawmakers Femi Saheed and Sanni Okanlawon. Her high-profile federal role contrasts with Oshinowo’s grassroots focus, and the Owode Onirin crisis has exposed fault lines. “Ogbara is positioning herself as the traders’ advocate, but criticizing Oshinowo risks alienating APC unity,” said analyst Demola Lawal.

Despite her efforts to address Kosofe’s issues, critics argue that her political ambitions overshadow her commitment to constituents, particularly in Owode Onirin.

Meanwhile, Oshinowo’s recent WeLift N75 million empowerment initiative, praised on April 1, 2025, by the duo of Kosofe Inside-Out and Kosofe Post news mediums,  underscores his efforts to maintain community support despite the market controversy.

The traders, caught in the political crossfire, continue to demand compensation and a halt to further demolitions. As Kosofe’s leaders navigate this crisis, the Owode Onirin dispute threatens to reshape political alliances and public trust ahead of future elections.