AUOMMATON Condemns Demolition of Otumara Mechanic Village, Demands Justice from Lagos State Government
LAGOS, Nigeria – July 3, 2025
The Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (AUOMMATON), Lagos State Chapter, in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has condemned in the strongest terms the recent unlawful demolition of 15 legally recognized workshops at the Otumara Mechanic Village, Costain, Ebute-Metta, by agents of the Lagos State Government.
The union described the demolition, which occurred on March 7, 2025, as a premeditated attack on the livelihoods of hundreds of law-abiding artisans—including mechanics, panel beaters, electricians, spray painters, and AC technicians—who have served the city for over four decades under a government-approved allocation.
Speaking during a press conference held on June 27 in Lagos, Comrade Julius Lawa, AUOMMATON Lagos State Chairman, reaffirmed that the Otumara Mechanic Village was established during the administration of former Governor Lateef Jakande in 1980. The land was lawfully allocated through the Ministry of Transportation in 1989 to support automotive services crucial to the state’s economy.
“We have operated legally for over 40 years. We pay ground rent, we obey all regulations. This demolition is not just illegal—it is a deliberate economic assault on over 100 families,” Comrade Lawa stated.
Comrade Abdul Yusuf, AUOMMATON Lagos State Secretary, added,
“What happened on March 7 was not a mistake. It was a coordinated land grab masquerading as urban renewal. Hoodlums and security personnel stormed our workshops and chased members away at gunpoint before bulldozing the structures.”
Despite repeated engagements with state authorities, including the Ministries of Transportation and Physical Planning, and after submitting valid land allocation documents, the union’s efforts to halt the demolition were ignored. Documents shared with the press indicate that officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency initially issued a contravention notice on February 11. However, upon reviewing the union’s legal papers, they reportedly withdrew.
But just days later, a new two-day eviction notice was issued. This was followed by verbal assurances from the Ministry of Physical Planning that the workshops would not be touched—assurances that were ultimately disregarded on March 7.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, represented by its Chairperson, Comrade Agnes Funmi, has thrown its weight behind AUOMMATON.
“We believe our letters to the Governor have been intercepted or downplayed. We demand direct intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. If one of us is touched, all of us feel it. We are prepared to escalate this through lawful labour actions if necessary,” she said.
The union has engaged renowned human rights lawyer, Barrister Jiti Ogunye, who described the demolition as a direct violation of Lagos State’s long-standing policy on mechanic villages.
“This land was granted to these artisans under Jakande’s administration to organise and structure informal automotive services. If the state fails to rectify this injustice, we will pursue legal redress,” Ogunye said.
Barrister Ogunye noted that the Otumara site was part of a carefully developed initiative to regulate roadside mechanics by relocating them into designated villages, with the Ministries of Transportation and Urban Planning responsible for allocation and planning.
Previous legal action taken by Barrister Paul Ogunnubi on behalf of the union, including formal complaints sent to the Lagos State Government on March 19 and May 5, received no response.
Union’s Demands to the Lagos State Government
AUOMMATON is demanding:
- An independent investigation into the demolition of the Otumara Mechanic Village;
- Immediate compensation for all affected members;
- Reconstruction or relocation of the demolished workshops to a suitable and accessible location;
- Public engagement with state authorities to prevent future violations and ensure protection of informal workers’ rights.
“We are not squatters. We are recognised contributors to Lagos State’s economy. Our work keeps the transport system running and supports families across the city,” said Comrade Yusuf.
The silence of state officials—including the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Physical Planning—has only heightened public concern and widened distrust among informal workers.
AUOMMATON warns that this demolition has the potential to escalate into wider unrest if left unresolved. The union remains committed to peaceful engagement, legal advocacy, and solidarity with organised labour in its quest for justice.
“We built this village with our sweat,” Comrade Lawa said. “We will not rest until it is restored or justice is served.”