The Coalition of Associations at the Ikeja Information and Communications Technology accessories market, popularly known as Computer Village, has accused its market leaders — the Babaloja, Mr. Adeniyi Olasoji, and the Iyaloja, Mrs. Abisola Azeez — of sabotaging a visit by Thai business delegates, thereby threatening foreign investment opportunities.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Timi David; Secretary, Jerry Mba; and Spokesperson, D.S. Ademola, the coalition described the disruption as a calculated attempt to hinder progress within the market.
According to the group, the incident occurred on Monday, June 23, 2025, when delegates from the Thai Embassy visited Computer Village to explore potential collaborations with local traders. The visit, organised by the coalition’s executive, was allegedly interrupted by the Iyaloja and unidentified individuals, despite an existing court order restraining the market board from interfering in the affairs of the associations.
“The Iyaloja of Computer Village came with unfamiliar individuals to disrupt the meeting illegally and unconstitutionally,” the statement read.
The coalition expressed dismay over the Babaloja’s actions, calling them contradictory to the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment under the Renewed Hope agenda. They warned that such interference could discourage future investors and negatively affect the economic well-being of traders in the market.
“This illegal disruption undermines the principles of free association and movement guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. We urge the Iyaloja and Babaloja to stop this unconstitutional show of power and prioritise the market’s collective interest,” the group stated.
They further asserted their constitutional rights to meet and collaborate with international partners, adding that they would resist any future attempts to stifle such engagements.
“We will not tolerate any further disruption of our lawful activities. Such actions will be met with strong resistance in defence of our constitutional rights,” the coalition declared.
Market Leaders Respond
In response to the allegations, Mr. Olasoji, the Babaloja of Computer Village, denied that the Thai delegates were forcefully turned away. He claimed the market board was not properly informed about the visit and said the coalition had breached agreed-upon protocols.
“They informed us about the visitors, but we asked that they bring them to us first before proceeding to the market. Instead, they tried to sneak them in through the back,” Olasoji explained.
He accused the coalition of attempting to run a “parallel government” within the market and asserted that the board would not condone such behaviour.
Supporting Olasoji’s position, Murphy Akinsanya, the board’s treasurer, reiterated that the Babaloja and Iyaloja are the only recognised market leaders, having been officially appointed by the Lagos State Government.
“Unlike in the past when associations managed market affairs, the state government has now appointed administrators — the Babaloja and Iyaloja — as the sole authorities in the market,” Akinsanya said.
He affirmed that the current leadership remains the only legitimate representation of Computer Village’s administration.
