Hundreds of artisans from the Isheri-Idimu Powerline corridor staged a protest on Monday at the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleging attempts to displace them from their mechanic village along Oladun Road, Isheri-Idimu.

The protesters accused suspected hoodlums, allegedly acting under the instructions of the Chairman of Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Idris Balogun, of attempting to seize the land for private interests.

Carrying placards reading messages like “Save us from land grabbers” and “Powerline belongs to government, not Omo Onile,” the artisans appealed to lawmakers for protection against harassment.

Adeleke Odufeko, chairman of the mechanic village, said the land was lawfully allocated to them by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and that they had complied with all directives, including avoiding permanent structures and paying annual royalties to traditional rulers.

Odufeko alleged that tensions escalated after Balogun, a royal family member but not a reigning monarch, demanded payments from the artisans, leading to repeated harassment, arrests, and even imprisonment of some members.

“Despite a court order in 2024 directing all parties to maintain the status quo, thugs accompanied by soldiers and police officers invaded the area on November 29. Vehicles were damaged, shops vandalized, and peace has since eluded us,” Odufeko stated.

The artisans claimed they have been barred from operating and that Odufeko himself has been specifically targeted due to his leadership role representing about 10,000 artisans.

Responding to the protest, Lagos State House of Assembly member Stephen Ogundipe assured the artisans that their grievances would be formally presented to Speaker Mudashir Obasa. He added that all concerned parties, including the Ministry of Transportation, would be invited for a thorough investigation.

“We commend you for remaining peaceful. The House urges you to remain calm and law-abiding while we ensure your concerns are addressed,” Ogundipe said.