A wave of unrest hit the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, the 22nd of December, 2025, as hundreds of artisans from the Isheri-Idimu Powerline corridor staged a peaceful demonstration.
The group is seeking legislative protection against an alleged plot to displace them from their long-term workplace situated along Oladun Road.
The protesters alleged that the Chairman of the Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Idris Balogun, is utilizing “suspected hoodlums” to seize the mechanic village for private gain. Holding placards with inscriptions like “Save us from land grabbers” and “Powerline belongs to government, not Omo Onile,” the artisans detailed a history of harassment.
Adeleke Odufeko, Chairman of the mechanic village, acted as the spokesperson for the group. He clarified that their occupation of the land is legally backed by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
“It was the Ministry of Transportation that allocated the space to us for use as a mechanic village. We have official approval,” Odufeko said.
Odufeko emphasized that the artisans have remained law-abiding tenants of the state, avoiding permanent construction as instructed.
“There are no permanent buildings there, only spaces where we keep our tools and equipment. We were also directed to pay annual royalties to the traditional rulers in Idimu and Isheri, and we have consistently done so,” he added.
The leadership of the mechanic village specifically pointed to Idris Balogun as the source of their decade-long struggle. According to Odufeko: “He came and said we should start paying him money. He is related to the royal family, but he is not the king. His father was the late monarch. Since 2016, he has been harassing and intimidating us,” he claimed.
“There is hardly any police station he has not taken us to. Some of our members were even sent to Ikoyi prison without committing any offence,” he alleged.
The crisis reportedly turned violent on November 29, despite an active court order from 2024 intended to freeze all hostilities. Odufeko recounted the invasion:
“When the harassment became unbearable, we went to court in 2021. In 2024, the court ordered that the status quo be maintained and warned him not to interfere with us,” he said.
“However, on November 29, thugs accompanied by soldiers and police officers invaded the area. Vehicles undergoing repairs were damaged and shops were vandalised.”
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While the Ministry of Transportation briefly cleared the site of invaders, the artisans claim the reprieve was short-lived.
“But shortly after they left, the thugs returned and resumed attacks, beating people. Although some were arrested during a second intervention, we later learnt that influential individuals secured their release. Since then, peace has eluded us,” he added.
“They shut down the entire place and warned us not to work. I am being hunted because I am the chairman representing about 10,000 artisans. That is why we came to the Assembly for help,” he said.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, received the protesters on behalf of Speaker Mudashir Obasa. He assured the group that a formal investigation would be launched.
“We are here on behalf of the Speaker, Mudashir Obasa. We have listened to your concerns and will formally present them to him,” Ogundipe said.
“We commend you for remaining peaceful. The House will invite all concerned parties, including the Ministry of Transportation and your representatives, and ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated. We urge you to remain calm and law-abiding.”