‘Return to the original mission of LASEC; make the leadership seat less attractive to end feud’ – Eze Chika tells Ladipo market leadership, sue for peace
By Onome Naomi
In recent times, there have been rumors circulating in the public space on reasons for endless feud amongst those occupying leadership positions in Ladipo. Situations that ensued during the last election held early in November 2024 at the Ladipo market between units, namely ‘Aguyi Ironsi Market,further fueled the already brewing internal crisis in the Ladipo Central Executive Auto Dealers Association (LASEC).
To this effect, Eze Chika Nwokedi is saying that the leadership of LASEC has almost totally deviated from the mission and purpose for the formation of LASEC, hence the issues at hand. He further explained that the leadership seat is very attractive in recent times due to the levies created to generate revenue, making the leadership seat a contending position to enrich pockets while he sues for peace.
Eze Chika made reference to the early times when he was president of Ladipo; he said LASEC was formed by him and two others, namely Mackerson and Emma 80, between 1993 and 1996 with the sole aim of dispute resolution, to maintain peace and orderliness, and to secure people’s goods and properties in the market, not to levy those who have come to buy spare parts or levy hawkers and roadside sellers in the market.
The purpose and mission for LASEC have been totally ignored; aspirants contending for leadership positions are more concerned about benefiting from the various levies, which has further made a mess of the ongoing situation. The seat of power in Ladipo is fast becoming a do-or-die affair and must be shunned.
He further stated that:
“In situations such as this, to quell the already brewing internal crisis in LASEC, the overall leadership of Ladipo should invite stakeholders who are past leaders of the market to address the issue for an amicable resolution.”
“Some of the founding fathers of LASEC are still very much alive; the now leadership of Ladipo should sort the former leadership to intervene; the resolution of the crisis lies in the hands of the overall leadership in Ladipo. Although in the last five years, those at the helm of affairs have been a bit high-handed to seek advice from critical stakeholders of the Ladipo market, hence the amassing feud.”
“When we formed LASEC, we didn’t task traders with levies for parking spaces, hawkers, or any form of special table levy. We generate funds by collecting security fees from every unit in Ladipo just twice a year; the first fee comes in June while the second comes in November. During those times, we had more than 30 securities personnel overseeing security in Ladipo. We don’t task unnecessarily for people’s parking space, or impose a levy for a just-brought-in Tokunbo car parked in the market, or a just-brought-in spare part, and so many other unreasonable levies that seem like extortion.”
“We do not exert force on people owing levies because we made it a considerable and easy amount to pay; these levies being tasked on traders is so wrong. The money generated has led to greed, attracting contenders who intend to enrich themselves, considering the huge amount made daily from these extortions. These situations never happened in the past; it was more of dedication to work.”
“The leadership position should be considered a turn-by-turn position. I advise that the new leadership should maintain peace. Ladipo cannot stop for any man; the market will continue to exist. When a tenure ends, a new leader must emerge and take over. Back then, if you are not the chairman of your unit, you cannot be the president of Ladipo or vice president, but all that has changed and abolished, hence the emergence of tyrants vying for the presidency, hence the conflicts.”.
“I am appealing to the new leaders of LASEC to call on the stakeholders and fathers of the market who understand how LASEC works; let’s sort out these issues on a round table to maintain peace; if I’m ever called upon, I will concur.”
More also, during the emancipation of LASEC, there was no intention of making it a means for extortion as written in the purpose when registrated under the CAC Act. The latest development is conflicting as against LASEC purpose, which could be indicting as tyrants have taken over the leadership market space. The leadership of LASEC should make reference to its original purpose and invite critical stakeholders if need be to quell the crisis therein.
