Artisans protest in Lagos over alleged plan to take mechanic village
Dozens of artisans gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly on June 5, 2025, protesting what they claim is a plot to seize their mechanic village in Isheri-Idimu. The group alleges that local officials and suspected hoodlums are trying to take over the land for private use. The artisans say the land was legally allocated to them by the Ministry of Transportation, and they have faced harassment and violence in recent weeks. Assembly members promised to investigate the matter and address their grievances.
What happened
- Artisans under the Isheri-Idimu Powerline protested at the Lagos Assembly on June 5, 2025, alleging attempts to take over their mechanic village.
- The group claims Idris Balogun, chairman of Egbe-Idimu LCDA, has been harassing them and demanding payments since 2016.
- Protesters allege repeated violence, arrests, and destruction of property, despite a court order in 2024 to maintain the status quo.
- The Ministry of Transportation, which allocated the land, intervened after recent clashes but the situation remains tense.
- Idris Balogun denies the allegations, claiming the artisans are building illegally and selling land under the powerline.
