Stakeholders urge support for early completion of new Alade Mall

As controversy surrounding  the ongoing development of the multi-million naira Alade Mall, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, is finally resolved, stakeholders in the project have solicited support for the developer, urging early completion of the project.

The controversy arose as a result of the demolition of the second wing of the old market, which the stakeholders absolved the Lagos State government from authorising it.

Expressing satisfaction over the development of the mall and efforts the developer of the project, Master Reality International Concept (MRIC), put in place to accommodate the traders, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men (Alade Market chapter), while absolving Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of ordering the demolition of the affected wing, claimed that the exercise became needful to actualise the noble goal of Alade Mall on scheduled.

The Iyaloja-General of Alade Market, Mrs Adia Apena in a statement refuted a report that Ambode was behind the demolition of the affected portion, earlier occupied by some business concerns which began last Sunday after all the traders agreed to relocate.

The association added that all marketers, including those that occupied the second wing had all agreed to the development of the mall, by which some existing structures must give way.

“This was agreed upon at a stakeholders’ meeting the Ikeja Local government authority convened in April.

“In 2016, the traders at the main wing of Alade Market relocated to the New Alade Market, which the Ikeja Local Government constructed in partnership with the concessionaire of Alade Shopping Mall, Messrs Reality International Concepts Ltd as an alternative.

“The second wing, which specifically housed the operators of Bureau de Change, among others, was not demolished to enable the local government construct an alternative market in order to avoid disrupting their commercial activities.”

However, in a statement signed by the Iyaloja, she faulted reports coming from different quarters that the governor was responsible for the demolition of the second wing of the market, stating that the demolition of the second wing started last Sunday in line with a resolution all the traders agreed to at a stakeholders’ meeting the local government convened on the final relocation of the traders.

Apena hinted that the traders requested the Ikeja Local government and the concessionaire, Master Reality International Concepts Limited, that before the demolition of the second wing of Alade Market, they should provide an alternative market for all traders, which she said the local government directed the concessionaire to provide so as to cater for those whose interests have not been accommodated in the new Alade Market, adding that the concessionaire faithfully executed this.

“After the concessioner completed the new blocks of shops, the Sole Administrator of Ikeja Local Government, Mr Abiodun Taiwo convened a stakeholders’ meeting on the relocation plan for the marketers that were yet to be provided with alternative shops.

“At the meetings, letters of allocation of shops were issued. And all marketers at the meeting received their letters of allocations. We made resolution that demolition would commence precisely on April 30. By April 28, traders began to move their goods from the market,” she said.

On Sunday, Apena said all traders were still moving from the market, noting that she was physically present at the market “to witness their relocation. This is evident by the ledger that all shop owners before they could move from their shops.

“We, therefore, do not see any iota of truth in reports being circulated on the social media that Governor Ambode ordered the demolition and looting of the market. Rather, we thank Governor Ambode, Sole Administrator of Ikeja LG and the developer for the successful relocation.”