Leaders of the Balogun Business Association (BBA) have raised concerns over individuals they describe as impostors falsely representing themselves as executives of the association. In a petition addressed to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the traders warned that these individuals recently paid a courtesy visit to the governor despite having no legitimate claim to leadership.
The petition, signed by Chief Anthony Obih (Chairman, Board of Trustees), Chief Jones Okpala (Secretary, Board of Trustees), Hon. Anselm Dunu (Chairman, Caretaker Committee), and Chief Leonard Ogbonnia (Secretary, Caretaker Committee), was also copied to the Attorney General of Lagos State.
The traders accused Chief Paul Oscar Ikechukwu Odogwu and his group of acting in “brazen and egregious defiance” of ongoing judicial proceedings. They cited multiple court cases, including Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021 and Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2665/2023, which they claim validate the authority of the Caretaker Committee led by Hon. Anselm Dunu as the lawful management body of the association.
According to the petitioners, the Federal High Court had issued orders preventing government interference in the association’s affairs, particularly regarding its management and administration. Despite this, they allege that Chief Odogwu misrepresented himself to gain access to Governor Sanwo-Olu under false pretenses.
The Balogun Business Association, established in 1992 and operating under a lease from the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, is a major commercial hub for traders across Nigeria and West Africa.
The traders urged the Lagos State Government to disregard Odogwu and his group, stating:
“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to treat Chief Paul Oscar Ikechukwu Odogwu and his associates as deceivers, tricksters, and impostors. They should not be granted any recognition as representatives of the Balogun Business Association nor be given any further audience.”
The crisis at BBA has been ongoing, with tensions escalating over allegations that certain individuals are unlawfully extorting traders under the guise of utility bill payments, despite the issue being subject to court proceedings. The petitioners emphasized that legal resolution is the only path forward, warning against intimidation and harassment of traders.
The Lagos State Government is yet to respond to the petition.