A fresh controversy has erupted in Lagos after prominent APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe reacted strongly to an incident that occurred during his visit to the popular Ladipo Market in Mushin.
The political figure disclosed that he had visited the market on June 5 to purchase spare parts for his vehicle when some traders allegedly began taunting and provoking him. Videos that later surfaced online showed a crowd of traders booing him and hurling insults as he moved through the market. The footage quickly gained traction across social media platforms, sparking widespread reactions and speculation about what transpired during the visit.
Amid reports circulating online that he had been physically assaulted by traders, Igbokwe publicly denied the claims, insisting that he was neither beaten nor attacked. Addressing the incident in a video shared on social media, the APC stalwart said the traders merely attempted to provoke him and that he left the market unharmed. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
However, his response to the incident has generated significant public attention. Igbokwe warned that if any attempt had been made to physically attack him, there would have been serious consequences. He further stated that those responsible would have “collected big” and suggested that such actions could have led to severe repercussions for the market itself. According to him, if matters had escalated into violence, the market might have faced closure for an extended period.
The APC chieftain also stressed that Lagos operates under its own laws and authorities, remarking that the state should not be compared to Nigeria’s South East region. His comments have since fueled heated debates online, with supporters defending his reaction while critics argue that his remarks could further inflame ethnic and political tensions.
The incident has once again highlighted the often complex intersection of politics, ethnicity and commerce in Lagos, particularly within markets that attract traders from diverse backgrounds across the country. As discussions continue to dominate social media, many observers have called for restraint and dialogue to prevent misunderstandings from escalating into broader conflicts.
For now, no official report has indicated that violence occurred during the encounter, and the matter remains largely a subject of public debate following the circulation of the videos and Igbokwe’s subsequent response.
