A leadership dispute is brewing in the Ikeja Information and Communications Technology accessories market, popularly known as Computer Village.

Our correspondent has observed resistance to the Iyaloja and Babaloja leadership in the market by some traders’ associations.

Earlier in June, The PUNCH reported that the leadership of Computer Village began a biometric registration and enumeration exercise to sanitise the market, curb criminal activity, and restore investor confidence.

In a statement, the Iyaloja, Abisola Azeez, described the initiative as part of a broader rebranding effort to address issues like phone snatching, fraudulent technicians, and substandard goods.

It stated, “The market’s leadership announced the move after a recent security incident led the Lagos State Task Force to consider a complete shutdown.

“However, market representatives intervened to safeguard legitimate traders. Under the new rules, only registered vendors with ID cards displayed at their stalls will be allowed to operate.

“Approved street setups will be limited to plastic chairs, show glasses, and umbrellas, while wooden structures and open flames are banned to reduce fire hazards.”

The Baba Oja, Adeniyi Olasoji, noted the market’s damaged image, emphasising new security measures like CCTV, emergency alert systems, and increased collaboration with law enforcement.

However, in a statement on Monday, a group, under the Coalition of Associations in Computer Village, said the Iyaloja of Computer Village “does not have the legal right or authority to conduct any enumeration of traders in Computer Village, because we are registered associations with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“And we have a subsisting court order that clearly states that we, the Associations in Computer Village, are not members of Iyaloja, Babaloja/Market Board group.”

The statement was jointly signed by the group’s President, Secretary General, and Public Relations Officer, Pastor Timi David, Jerry Mba, and Ademola Olaifa, respectively.

They said, “The Coalition of Associations in Computer Village, which is the umbrella union representing over 18 registered associations in Computer Village, is the recognised and legitimate body representing the interests of these over 18 different associations and traders in the Computer Village market, Ikeja.”

They urged the public to disregard the claims made by Iyaloja and Babaloja regarding biometric registration or enumeration.

According to them, it was only the Coalition of Associations in Computer Village, or the authorised government agencies, that had the rights to conduct such exercises.

A source in the market, close to the Babaloja, but asked not to be named, said the registration had already begun, and the aggrieved traders had no point.

“A proper interview was conducted (before the exercise), and even the said biometric registration has commenced,” he said. (The PUNCH)