The 14-day evacuation order granted to traders of Alaba Rago International Market in the state’s Ojo district has reportedly been revoked by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The retraction of the quit notice was intended to avoid the mass exodus of thousands of traders from the market as a result of disagreements over its direction.

Leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community met with the governor on Monday, pleading with him to reconsider his decision on the market.

Seriki Hausa of Lagos, Aminu Dogara, and his vice, as well as Seriki Fulani of Lagos, Mohammed Bambado, visited with the governor.

Sanwo-Olu is claimed to have backed down and asked traders and store owners to continue with their legitimate enterprises in the market until all parties establish a formal agreement and development plan.

The governor is alleged to have backed down from the ultimatum during a meeting at the State House in Ikeja, however, the government has not issued an official statement.

Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said he was not present at the meeting.

The meeting took place just hours after former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso met with Hausa traders at Alaba Rago, where he protested the traders’ planned departure.

At the discussion with the governor, the leaders reportedly pleaded with him to utilize his prerogative of mercy to lift the market order, which is set to expire on June 2, 2022.

The Babaloja of Alaba Rago Market 1, Ali Malami, who confirmed the reversal of the vacate notice, said the governor assured the traders that the market would not be closed on the approved date and that the government and traders, as well as store owners, will participate in future dialogues.

Remember that the governor ordered the market to be relocated as part of a crackdown on indiscriminate commercial motorcycle operation in the state and its use to terrorise communities.

The market has also allegedly become a criminal hangout, with guys of northern descent using it as a cover to commit crimes.

A soon-to-be-wed Monsur was savagely slain by a gang of Hausa motorcyclists outside the market in April, and his iPhone and gold neck chain were stolen.