By Peter Dansu The Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, has ordered a probe into the alleged collection of ₦20,10...
By Peter Dansu
The Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, has ordered a probe into the alleged collection of ₦20,100 from traders at Oko Afo Market after making an unannounced visit to the market on Thursday.
The Chairman stormed the market following reports that traders were being asked to pay the money as a purported Lagos State tax allegedly authorised by the council.
Ajose was also informed of plans to collect another ₦15,000 annually from stall owners as an alleged market toll introduced by Olorunda LCDA.
But the Chairman made it clear that the two payments were not authorised by his administration.
He told traders that the council had neither approved the ₦20,100 collection nor directed anyone to collect it on its behalf. He equally dismissed the alleged ₦15,000 annual stall toll.
Ajose further explained that the collection of taxes on behalf of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service is outside the authority of the LCDA.
The Chairman urged traders to be wary of individuals demanding money in the name of government and directed them to verify all new levies and charges directly with the council.
In a firm warning to market and union leaders, Ajose said his administration would not allow the name of the council to be used to intimidate, deceive or extort traders.
He subsequently summoned the market leadership and relevant union officials to appear before him and account for how the alleged collections were introduced and carried out.
The Chairman said anyone found responsible would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law, insisting that protecting traders from exploitation remains a priority of his administration.
The development comes as the Ajose administration steps up efforts to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of markets across Olorunda LCDA.
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