Dozens of artisans from the Egbeda–Idimu mechanic village in Lagos, on Wednesday, marched to the state House of Assembly to protest what they described as persistent harassment and displacement from their workshops by the community leadership.
The protesters, operating under the Egbeda–Idimu CDA, accused the community chairman of attempting to forcefully eject them from the site despite a court judgment which, they claimed, affirmed their right to operate on the land.
According to them, repeated invasions by thugs acting on the chairman’s orders have disrupted daily business activities, leaving many mechanics stranded.
The artisans, who brandished placards and copies of the purported legal documents, urged the state government and relevant agencies to intervene to prevent further intimidation and safeguard their livelihoods.
“We have worked here for years and have valid documents backing our claim.
Each time we settle down to work, people come and drive us out,” one of the protesters said.
However, when contacted, the community chairman insisted the land was unsuitable for occupation, arguing that it sits on a utility corridor housing a gas pipeline and overhead power transmission lines.
He further alleged that some mechanics had illegally sold portions of the land for residential development, contrary to its original designation.
The state Assembly had yet to issue an official response at press time.