Hundreds of artisans from the Isheri-Idimu Powerline corridor staged a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, raising alarm over threats to their livelihoods amid alleged attempts to displace them from their mechanic village.

The protesters told journalists at the Assembly complex that suspected hoodlums, allegedly acting on the instruction of the Chairman of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Idris Balogun, were attempting to seize their mechanic village along Oladun Road, Isheri-Idimu, for private interests.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Save us from land grabbers,” “Powerline belongs to government, not Omo Onile,” and “We demand competency and decency at Egbe-Idimu,” the artisans called on lawmakers to intervene and safeguard them from persistent harassment.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Adeleke Odufeko, Chairman of the mechanic village, said the land was lawfully allocated to them by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

“The Ministry of Transportation allocated this space for us to operate as a mechanic village. We have official approval,” Odufeko said. He noted that the artisans were instructed not to construct permanent structures on the land, a directive they have strictly followed.

“There are no permanent buildings, only spaces for our tools and equipment. We also pay annual royalties to the traditional rulers in Idimu and Isheri, as directed, and have done so consistently,” he added.

Odufeko alleged that tensions escalated when Balogun, described as a member of a royal family but not a reigning monarch, demanded payments from the artisans.

“He demanded that we start paying him money. Although related to the royal family, he is not the king. Since 2016, he has been harassing and intimidating us,” Odufeko claimed.

He further alleged that members of the village have faced repeated arrests and intimidation. “We have been taken to nearly every police station in the area, and some members were even sent to Ikoyi prison without committing any offence,” he said.

Despite a court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo, violence reportedly erupted at the site late last month.

“We went to court in 2021 when the harassment became unbearable. In 2024, the court ordered that the status quo be maintained and warned him not to interfere with us,” Odufeko explained.

“However, on November 29, thugs, accompanied by soldiers and police officers, invaded the area. Vehicles being repaired were damaged, and shops were vandalised.”

He added that although the Ministry of Transportation later deployed a task force to restore order, the attackers returned after the officials left. “Some were arrested during a second intervention, but influential individuals reportedly secured their release. Since then, peace has eluded us,” he said.

Odufeko also said the artisans have been prevented from working, and that he has personally been targeted due to his leadership role. “They shut down the entire place and warned us not to operate. I am being hunted because I represent about 10,000 artisans. That is why we brought our concerns to the Assembly,” he stated.

Responding to the protesters, Stephen Ogundipe, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, assured that their grievances would be addressed.

“We are here on behalf of the Speaker, Mudashir Obasa. We have listened to your concerns and will formally present them to him,” Ogundipe said.

“We commend your peaceful approach. The House will invite all concerned parties, including the Ministry of Transportation and your representatives, to investigate the matter thoroughly. We urge you to remain calm and law-abiding.”