A fresh crisis has erupted in Lagos’ famed Computer Village as the Coalition of Associations in the Ikeja ICT Accessories Market has accused market leaders of obstructing a recent business meeting with Thai investors.
In a statement issued Monday and jointly signed by the coalition’s president, Timi David; secretary, Jerry Mba; and spokesperson, D.S. Ademola, the group alleged that the Iyaloja, Mrs. Abisola Azeez, and the Babaloja, Mr. Adeniyi Olasoji, led an illegal disruption of a scheduled engagement with Thai delegates on June 23, 2025, aimed at fostering international trade partnerships.
The coalition, which represents multiple trader associations within the ICT hub, claimed the visit by investors from the Thailand Embassy was deliberately interrupted despite an existing court order restraining the market board from interfering in their affairs.
“The Iyaloja of Computer Village, illegally and unconstitutionally, came with unknown individuals to disrupt the meeting and visitation while ongoing,” the coalition stated.
They argued that the interference violated their constitutional rights and could threaten the confidence of potential foreign investors, warning that the incident contradicts President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes boosting foreign direct investment and economic inclusivity.
“Such unwarranted and illegal disruption may deter future investors and partners, ultimately affecting the livelihoods of the business community,” the statement added.
The coalition urged the Babaloja and Iyaloja to respect the Constitution of Nigeria, affirming their right to free movement and association with international partners. They further vowed to resist any future interference that hinders their ability to engage in lawful and productive business activities.
“There is no law that forbids us from hosting foreign partners in our offices. Our rights are protected under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” they insisted.
The Babaloja, Mr. Adeniyi Olasoji, denied the allegations, stating that the delegates were not chased out but asked to follow due protocol.
“The group wants to run a parallel government,” he said. “They contacted us earlier, and we asked that the guests be brought to us first, but they tried to smuggle them in through the backdoor.”
Olasoji emphasized that investor visits traditionally pass through the market’s leadership, not individual associations.
The Board’s Treasurer, Mr. Murphy Akinsanya, also supported this position, stressing that the Iyaloja and Babaloja remain the only state-recognized leaders of Computer Village.
“It was the Lagos State Government that appointed them. Associations no longer run the market,” he stated.
The incident marks a renewed chapter in the ongoing leadership tussle at Computer Village, which has long been a focal point for ICT trade in West Africa.
