Sowore Condemns Alaba Rago Demolition, Alleges Ethnic Profiling

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned the Lagos State Government over the demolition of the popular Alaba Rago market, a settlement where Northern traders, popularly known as ’yan Arewa, have lived and carried out business for nearly five decades.

In a statement shared via his social media platforms, Sowore described the demolition as an act of “ethnic persecution.”

“This market has long served as a hub for various businesses and goods, but now a massive demolition has taken place,” Sowore wrote. “I condemn this act of ethnic persecution by the Lagos State Government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”

The demolition of Alaba Rago has generated widespread debate, with critics accusing the government of displacing thousands of traders without providing alternatives, while officials maintain it is part of efforts to redevelop the area into a modern commercial hub.