Mayor Dele Oshinowo Denies Involvement in Owode Onirin Demolition, Calls Out Hon. Kafilat Ogbara Over Misleading Claims 

Mayor Dele Oshinowo, Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations linking his administration to the March 6, 2025, demolition of over 500 shops at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market. In a public statement, Oshinowo categorically denied any role in the incident and accused Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, House of Representatives member for Kosofe Federal Constituency, of spreading misinformation through a recent video, escalating political tensions in Kosofe.

The controversy stems from a circulating video in which Ogbara, addressing traders at Owode Onirin, reportedly claimed that an unnamed Lagos State Commissioner stated Agboyi-Ketu LCDA was responsible for the demolition and that the state government was collaborating with the council. Oshinowo refuted these claims, asserting, “Neither I, as Executive Chairman, nor Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, the council I lead, played any role (whether major or minor) in the demolition that took place at Owode Onirin Market.” He suggested Ogbara was misinformed and urged her to verify information before making statements that could inflame community tensions.

Oshinowo clarified that the demolition was executed by the Olowu Family and their agents, enforcing a court order tied to a long-standing land dispute (Suit No: ID/1757/1994—Mr. Femi Festus Olowu & Anor vs. Mayor Dele Oshinowo & Anor). He revealed personal efforts to halt the demolition, stating he and his staff were tear-gassed during the incident. Since then, Oshinowo claims to have faced harassment, including over five petitions filed against him by the Olowu Family at police commands in Alagbon, Kam Salem, and Force Headquarters, Abuja, as well as contempt proceedings for allegedly obstructing the court order.

“For some time now, I have been dedicated to defending the interests of the traders at Owode Onirin Market, often at significant personal and financial cost,” Oshinowo said, dismissing rumors of his involvement as “utterly false.” He emphasized the market’s importance as a “vital public asset” for traders’ livelihoods and LCDA revenue, refuting allegations from Ogbara’s video that the council or state government plans to convert the market into a residential estate. “Owode Onirin Market is, and will remain, a thriving marketplace,” he assured.

Oshinowo expressed disappointment that Ogbara did not consult him to verify her claims, calling for collaboration with the state government and LCDA to foster peace. “I respectfully urge Hon. Ogbara to refrain from making unverified political statements that could escalate tensions in our community,” he stated, highlighting ongoing engagements with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Attorney General to resolve the dispute peacefully.

The demolition, which destroyed goods worth billions of naira, has sparked outrage among traders, with leaders like Abiodun Hammed and Wasiu Awoko previously criticizing Oshinowo’s handling of the crisis. Hammed, the market’s chairman, reported losing three shops, while Awoko, a Board of Trustees member, accused Oshinowo of betraying traders’ past political support. Oshinowo’s statement counters these sentiments, positioning him as a defender against the Olowu Family’s actions.

Community reactions remain mixed, with some traders welcoming Oshinowo’s clarification, while others demand compensation and stronger action. Political analysts note that the Ogbara-Oshinowo rift underscores broader All Progressives Congress (APC) tensions in Kosofe, where local and federal leaders vie for influence. “Oshinowo’s defense is a bold move to reclaim his narrative, but Ogbara’s federal clout makes this a delicate balancing act,” said analyst Demola Rewaju.

Oshinowo urged the public to dismiss rumors linking Agboyi-Ketu LCDA to the demolition, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the market from external pressures. As the Owode Onirin dispute continues, the focus remains on finding a resolution to safeguard traders’ livelihoods and restore trust in Kosofe’s leadership.

Oshinowo remains the poster boy for the All Progressives Congress, having been awarded the best Council Chairman in Nigeria by Vanguard News for his exceptional grassroots development work, outshining 776 others.