Fear Grips Balogun Business Association Traders, Customers, Over Looming Election Crisis, Violence

By Veronica James

Confusion appears to be reigning supreme at the popular but crisis ridden Multi – Billion Naira Balogun Business Association International Market (BBA),located at the International Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Express way , Lagos State.

Our Correspondent reports that there is palpable fear of electoral violence and heightened tension occasioned by alleged importation of armed thugs and other members of notorious Cult groups into the market.

Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that the cause of the agitation and tension in the Market is coming on the heals of alleged ongoing plot by the current leadership led by Mr. Oscar Ikechukwu Odogwu, to remain in office at all cost ,by conducting unconstitutional unilateral election as the Sole Presidential candidate ,Next Sunday , November 16/ Monday November 17, 2026 .

According to the protesting traders , Odogwu’s electoral plans are selfish, authoritarian and insensitive invitation of yet another anarchy into the market.

Some of the traders who spoke on the grounds of anonymity for fear of persecution by thugs , said Odogwu’s plans are in total disregard of the interest of majority of the genuine traders and against the advise of the Board of Trustee Members , past BBA presidents, Market Elders and other prominent stakeholders.

Speaking in an interview with Journalists yesterday, one of the oldest traders in the market, who is also the Chairman of BBA Board of Trustees and the only Life BOT still living , as well as an ex – Vice President , Chief Nick Okeke, expressed concerns over the Looming anarchy in the market.

Chief Okeke ,popularly known as “Ogbatuluenyi” , gave a graphic account of the Genesis of the crisis in the market, noted that ,”despite the fact that Oscar Odogwu’s present leadership was achieved through unlawful invasion of the market in 2023 and forceful take over from the legitimate Care Taker Committee,(CTC) headed by Hon. Anselem Dunu , which he achieved with assistance from compromised security operatives , “it is nevertheless a product of illegality via unconstitutional kangaroo selection conducted outside the market at Villa Park Hotel , held on the 24th of June 2021, leading to the invasion of the market complex and forceful take over of leadership on the 22nd November 2023”.

According to him,”despite the illegal process that led to Odogwu’s leadership, we in the BOT, Market Elders, Founder ,Mr Leonard Ogbonna, Past Presidents like Chief. Pele, Chief Obi, Hon. Anselem Dunu , Chief John Ezeako ( Ojiji), Hilary Amande and Other Stakeholders , along side lawyers of both parties ,brokered a truce, which allowed Odogwu to remain in office till early 2027 ,with a firm agreement to conduct an all inclusive election ,to be conducted by an approved electoral committee on February 28,2027″.

He however regretted that “last Monday , November 9,2026, the scheduled date to sign the agreement ,we all gathered at our Secretariat with our Lawyer but Odogwu’s lawyer did not show up”.

“Instead some hired thugs humiliated us , announcing with their public address system, shouting and abusing us . We were forced to run away for our dear lives from the Secretariat we built years back”.

Chief Okeke ,who is an elderly man in his early 80 years ,expressed shock over the near fatal mob attack by alleged Odogwu’s hired thugs .

Ogbatuluenyi, also accused Odogwu of deliberately denying genuine traders and aspirants of nomination forms, while replacing them with hired thugs and non- traders .

Insisting that the planned sole candidate election being championed by Odogwu is unconstitutional and a nullity , Okeke urged the traders to remain calm , noting that BBA election is scheduled for February 28,2027.

The elder Statesman therefore urged Odogwu to go back to the negotiating table and sign the court initiated agreement process with the Lawyers and avert the imminent crisis , he is orchestrating .