society
BALOGUN MARKET CRISIS : Court Restrain Chief Okey Ezeibe, Six Others From Forceful Removal Of Market Union leadership
BALOGUN MARKET CRISIS : Court Restrain Chief Okey Ezeibe, Six Others From Forceful Removal Of Market Union leadership
A Lagos State High Court,sitting in Lagos has restrained former President and Member, Board of Trustees of the Balogun Business Association,BBA, Chief Okey Ezeibe.from forcefully taking over the Secretariat, Assets, Funds and properties belonging to the traders Association.
Others who were restrained and sued along side Chief Ezeibe as defendants , are Chief Alex Obi – Odunukwe ,Chief Ifeanyi Okwuma, Chief Ikechukwu Obiora , Commissioner of Police,Lagos State, ACP Halilu ,Area Commander, Area ‘E’ , Command, FESTAC, CSP Tolani , Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
The decision of the Court is coming on the heels of last Monday’s alleged purported botched Police invasion and attempted move to foist an illegal leadership on the traders, by Chief Ezeibe, who was said to have employed the help of Police operatives from Area ‘E’ Command ,FESTAC, led by a Superintendent of Police, SP ( Names withheld) and the Operations Officer, OPS.
While delivering his ruling on the Enrolment of Order, in the suit dated Monday, 5th July, 2021, delineated as SUIT NO : ID/4749GCM/2021, the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice A.M Lawal , made the Order after hearing the Application of Barristers Ken .I. Ugwu and C. A. Obianika, Counsels for the traders, represented by the Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association, BBA and six other persons.
He Said: ” I have considered the application in its entirety. paragraph 24 of the affidavit in support , states that the defendants( Chief Okechukwu Ezeibe and six others) planned to take over ‘viet armis’ the secretariat of Balogun Business Association, which may lead to a breakdown of law and order. ”
” In order to avert this ugly situation, the interest of Justice demands a grant of some preemptive succours to the Claimant pending when they will comply with the requirements of the pre- election protocol. ”
The court stated that ” The defendants (Chief Okechukwu Ezeibe and six others) are accordingly restrained as sought in the interim , pending the Claimants compliance with the pre- election “. Justice Lawal also ordered that ” the defendants ( chief Okechukwu Ezeibe and six others) are restrained from taking over or attempting to take over the secretariat, assets, funds and properties of the first Claimant (BBA) ,Including her international centre for commerce , trade fair Complex “.
He further gave a legal backing to the administration and control by BBA Care Taker Committee, CTC, led by Honourable Anselem Duru , by ruling that ” the second claimant shall maintain and control the management of the affairs, assets and funds of the First Claimant, including her international centre of commerce, trade fair Complex , pending the Claimants compliance with the pre-action protocol formalities.”
On how Chief Ezeibe and his group would be notified of the court order which was counter signed by the Court Registrar, Mr. B. Y . Sadiku, the Judge granted leave to the Trustee and six others , permitting them to serve the order of the court on the defendants together with the pre – action protocol documents through the sheriffs of this court.
It would be recalled that Vanguard Newspaper had in their breaking news reported sporadic shootings in the market on Monday, which was allegedly occasioned by a botched attempt to take over the traders secretariat and foist an illegal leadership. Confirming the incident in his office yesterday, the Chief Security Officer, CSO, Spy Deputy Superintendent Of Police, DSP Celestine Emechebe, who denied granting interview to Vanguard Newspaper as quoted in their publication, stated that about 100 police officers from Area ‘E’ , in a convoy of Operational Vehicles, had stormed their market on Monday and drove down to their secretariat without booking their arrival at his security post. According to him, the ulterior motives and mission of the police Officers from Area ‘E’ Command were thwarted by the agile and eagle eyed police Operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Annex ,Alagbon ,led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Adeoye Callistus, who confronted them and refused to allow them achieve their aims and objectives of storming the market.
CSO also said that his men over heard the Area ‘E’ officers, when they told the FCID Operatives, who had been on ground to ensure peace, law and order, that they came from Lagos commissioner of Police, to install a new leadership in the market.
Collaborating the CSO’S account of the incident, the former Treasurer and frontrunner presidential Aspirant in the forth coming elections in the market, High Chief (Dr.) John Ezeakor, popularly called ‘Ojiji ‘, pointed accusing fingers at Chief Ezeibe and his opposition camp for plotting the botched plan to foist an illegal leadership on the traders . In his words, “Enough is enough for this hooligalism and thuggery which Chief Ezeibe and his co- travellers have continued to unleash on genuine traders in our market continually. How can people who have no stake in the market, have no shops and businesses, would alway want to cause mayhem. Market is not owned by an individual and come to think that Ezeibe who is a car seller outside our market, conducted an illegal kangaroo election in a hotel and now wants to use policemen to dethrone a legitimate Care taker committee, this is rascality taken too far. He disobeys Court Orders at will and Government appears to overlook these conduct breaching public peace. This Market is not the birth right of Ezeibe or Anambra State Traders alone. Other States like Enugu my State, should be allowed to lead “.
The Out going President, Chief Tony Obih, had carpeted the purported elections, stated that it was illegal, null and void , as the life span of the legal Caretaker Committee was still subsisting until June 31, pending BBA’s legally planned elections in July, 2021.
This is even as a Federal High Court sitting before Justice I.E. Ekwo in Abuja, the federal capital territory, was said to have barred the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC from expunging the names of the Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association, Chiefs Tony Obih, Jonathan Okpala, Balogun John Ezeako, Nicholas Okeke and Hon. (Chief) Anslem Dunu ,Business; all registered trustees of BBA. The court also barred the factional group led by one Chief Okey Ezeibe from conducting any election into elective positions in defiance to the existing Caretaker Committee and or disregarding the committee in the discharge of it’s statutory functions pending such time when the atmosphere was clear for the conduct of election by the caretaker committee .
The order of the court followed an action brought to it by barrister John Duru, counsel to the Applicants in suit N0 FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021 praying the court for an order of perpetual injunction (certoriari) barring the CAC from taking such action of expunging their names from the certificate of incorporation.
In a motion experte, the court, granted the leave of the Applicants stopping the CAC hereinafter referred to as Respondent from carrying out the action including further interference in the affairs of the BBA. Meanwhile, Police department at the Force Criminal investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos, had wielded into the crisis that has bedeviled the hitherto peaceful Market.
It was learnt that a private detective (names withheld) , took the initiative to petition the Police authorities, to avert imminent threat to peace and possible break down of law and order in the market.
society
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
HOPE BEYOND THE WALLS 2026: ASSOCIATION OF MODELS SUCCESSFULLY SECURES RELEASE OF AN INMATE, CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) proudly announces the successful completion of the first edition of Hope Beyond the Walls 2026, a humanitarian initiative dedicated to restoring hope and freedom to deserving inmates.
Despite enormous challenges, financial pressure, emotional strain, and operational stress, the organization remained committed to its mission. Through perseverance, faith, and collective support, one inmate has successfully regained freedom a powerful reminder that hope is stronger than circumstance.
This milestone did not come easily.
Behind the scenes were weeks of coordination, advocacy, fundraising, documentation, and intense engagement. There were moments of uncertainty, but the determination to give someone a second chance kept the vision alive.
Today, the Association of Models gives heartfelt appreciation to all partners and sponsors, both locally and internationally, who stood with us mentally, financially, morally, and physically.
Special Recognition and Appreciation To:
Correctional Service Zonal Headquarters Zone A Ikoyi
Esan Dele
Ololade Bakare
Ify
Kweme
Taiwo & Kehinde Solagbade
Segun
Mr David Olayiwola
Mr David Alabi
PPF Zion International
OlasGlam International
Razor
Mr Obinna
Mr Dele Bakare (VOB International)
Tawio Bakare
Kehinde Bakare
Hannah Bakare
Mrs Doyin Adeyemi
Shade Daniel
Mr Seyi United States
Toxan Global Enterprises Prison
Adeleke Otejo
Favour
Yetty Mama
Loko Tobi Jeannette
MOSES OLUWATOSIN OKIKIADE
Moses Okikiade
(Provenience Enterprise)
We also acknowledge the numerous businesses and private supporters whose names may not be individually mentioned but whose contributions were instrumental in achieving this success.
Your generosity made freedom possible.
A CALL TO ACTION
Hope Beyond the Walls is not a one-time event. It is a movement.
There are still many deserving inmates waiting for a second chance individuals who simply need financial assistance, legal support, and advocacy to reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.
The Association of Models is therefore calling on:
Corporate organizations
Local and international sponsors
Philanthropists
Faith-based organizations
Community leaders
Individuals with a heart for impact
to partner with us.
Our vision is clear:
To secure the release of inmates regularly monthly, quarterly, or during special intervention periods through structured support and transparent collaboration.
HOW TO SUPPORT
Interested partners and supporters can reach out via
Social Media: Official Handles Hope In Motion
Donations and sponsorship inquiries are welcome.
Together, we can turn difficult stories into testimonies of restoration.
ABOUT AOMNGO
The Association of Models (AOMNGO) is a humanitarian driven organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and social impact. Through projects like Hope Beyond the Walls, the organization works tirelessly to restore dignity and create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance.
“When we come together, walls fall and hope rises.”
For media interviews, partnerships, and sponsorship discussions, please contact the Association of Models directly.
SENATOR ADEOLA YAYI REGISTERS 4000 JAMB CANDIDATES
In continuation of his educational support initiatives and following established tradition, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC,Ogun West) has successfully paid for and enrolled 4000 indigent students for the 2026 Joint Admission Matriculation Board(JAMB) examination.
According to a release e-signed and made available to members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) by High Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Adviser to Senator Adeola and shared with (your mediu), the programme financed by the senator under the “SEN YAYI FREE JAMB 2026” ended on Saturday , February 21, 2026, with a total of 4000 candidates successfully enrolled with their PINs provided.
Commenting on the success of the programme, Senator Adeola said the programme is another leg of his personal educational empowerment for indigent but brilliant citizens preparatory to his scholarship and bursary facilitation for tertiary education institutions’ students.
“As far as I can help it, none of our children will miss educational opportunities arising out of adverse economic predicament of their parents or guardians”, he stated.
Successful candidates cut across all the three senatorial districts of Ogun State with 2183 coming from Ogun West, 1358 coming from Ogun Central and 418 from Ogun East.
Some of the candidates that applied and are yet to get their PINs due wrong information supplied in their profiles and being underage as discovered by JAMB and other reasons are being further assisted to see the possibility of getting their PINs.
The Free JAMB programme of the Senator that has been running for years is well received by appreciative beneficiaries and their parents.
Alhaji Suara Adeyemi from Ipokia Local Government whose daughter successfully got her PIN in the programme said the Senator’s gesture was a welcome financial relief for his family at this period after payment of numerous school fees of other siblings of the beneficiary seeking admission to higher institution.
Also posting on the social media handle of the Senator, a beneficiary Mr. Henry Olaitan, from Odeda LGA said that he would have missed doing the entry examination as his guardian cannot afford the fees for himself and two of his children.
House Committee Seeks Stronger Financial Backing for Federal Character Commission
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has reassured the commitment of her new leadership to reposition the Commission and strengthen enforcement of the federal character principle, despite prevailing funding challenges.
Hon. Omidiran made this known during the Commission’s budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character at the National Assembly on Friday, February 19, 2026.
The Executive Chairman opened up on inadequate funding has continued to constrain the Commission’s statutory activities, including nationwide monitoring, compliance audits and enforcement measures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“We are focused and determined to do the work that the Constitution and the President have entrusted us with,” Omidiran stated.
The FCC Boss, however, assured lawmakers that the Commission remains resolute in ensuring equity, fairness and balanced representation in line with its constitutional mandate.
“As a Commission, it is our responsibility to engage with relevant government parastatals and ministries to secure the necessary funding we require. We believe that with consultation and collaboration, it will be a successful venture for the Commission.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, RT. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, expressed deep concern over what he described as near-zero budgetary allocation to the Commission, stressing that such financial inadequacies severely undermine its operational effectiveness.
The Plateau State lawmaker assured the Commission of the Committee’s firm legislative backing in advocating for improved funding and strengthening the Commission’s capacity to fully exercise its constitutional mandate.
“We cannot reasonably expect the Federal Character Commission to enforce compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies while grappling with insufficient funding,” Hon. Wase remarked.
“If we are genuinely committed to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, then we must be deliberate in adequately funding the institution established to safeguard these principles.
“As a Committee, we shall work closely with the leadership of the Commission to ensure that its budgetary provisions reflect the magnitude of its mandate. The era of skeletal or token funding must give way to realistic and sustainable financial support,” he concluded.
The budget defence session concluded on a note of renewed collaboration between the House of Representatives and the Commission, reflecting a shared determination to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance accountability, and promote equitable representation within Nigeria’s public service.
SIGNED:
Ademola Lawrence
Spokesperson,
Federal Character Commission
February 20, 2026
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