Lagos Markets Shut for Tinubu Daughter’s Installation as Traders’ Leader

Commercial activities in major markets in Lagos State were Tuesday grounded following the installation of Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, as the Iyaloja General of Nigeria.

This is just as the title of Iyalode of Lagos, which has been vacant for over 100 years, was bestowed on Alhaja Bintu Tinubu, the mother of the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu.

Tinubu's daughter's installation, which took place at the palace of Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu 1, coincided with his 70 years birthday celebration and attracted dignitaries and captains of industries.

Tinubu-Ojo, succeeded her grandmother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, who held the title until her death a few months ago.

A visit to major markets in the state showed that shops were shut down while hawkers took advantage of the situation to market their wares at increased prices.

At the Mile 12 market, where foodstuffs are sold in bulk, some customers who were ignorant of the closure were seen condemning the act.

Expressing his anger at the development, a tomato seller at the market who spoke on condition of anonymity told THISDAY that he was unaware of the closure and so had brought in fresh tomatoes to sell.

He said: "At the section where I sell, our market leaders did not inform us that there would be a closure on Tuesday in order for us to attend the coronation.

"We got here only to be told not to open our shops because of the installation. So, many of our customers were not aware, they came to transact business but we told them they should come back tomorrow (Wednesday)."

Although some markets were closed at Iyana-Ipaja, Cele, Ikotun and Odo markets, some defiant traders still opened shop albeit in disguise.

At Ketu market, some of the traders said they would only close their shops until evening before they start to sell again, adding that they had lost revenue already by the closure.

But it was a total shutdown for major markets in Oke Arin, Balogun, Isale Eko, Ogba, Mushin, Oshodi, Agege, Yaba, Idumota and others, as traders were mandated to head to the coronation centre.