Governor Abiodun urged to intervene in Yewa market security guards’ sacking

Mr Qudus Ajala Temitope. One of the sacked security guard.

Mr Kolade Akinola, one of the sacked security guard.
The Children of Late Michael Tosewa Ogundare, who died after he lost his Job in March as security guards in Owode/ Ajilete Yewa International Market. Ogun State.

Michael Adebisi

In a shocking turn of events, four dedicated security guards at Yewa International Market in Ogun State were abruptly fired in April 2025, without any reason or formal disciplinary action cited.

These guards, who were employed by the Ogun State Government under the Ogun State Market Development Board, had dedicated themselves to securing the market day and night.

These guards, who had served faithfully for between 8 to 16 years, received brief letters informing them of the end of their temporary employment, effective April 1st, 2025.

The letters also stated that their March salary would be paid instead of notice, despite them receiving the letters only a few days before the disengagement took effect.

The circumstances surrounding their dismissal have sparked outrage, with concerns raised about labour rights, human dignity, and the treatment of low-income workers.

The security guards were classified as casual workers, a practice that violates labour laws, and were paid a monthly salary of ₦46,000, falling short of the approved minimum wage of ₦70,000.

Tragically, one of the disengaged guards reportedly died shortly after receiving the termination notice, with family members attributing the shock and trauma of the sudden dismissal as a contributing factor to his demise.

The sacked guards have called for reinstatement or a financial compensation package to help them rebuild their lives.

The community, including the Iyaloja of Yewa International Market, has expressed support for the guards, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in the matter.

The Yewa International Market, a significant economic hub in Ogun State, has been facing challenges, including abandonment and inadequate facilities.

The market generates over ₦2 million daily in tax and over ₦1 billion in sales, making it a vital revenue source for the state. Revitalizing the market and addressing the grievances of its long-serving security guards could be a crucial step towards boosting the local economy.

The fate of the sacked security guards hangs in the balance, as they await the response of Governor Abiodun and the relevant authorities.

Will justice be served, or will this unfortunate incident be swept under the rug? One thing is certain – the outcome will have far-reaching implications for labour rights and human dignity in Ogun State.

Some of the affected guards include Mr. Kolade Akinola, Mr. Qudus Ajala Temitope, and the late Michael Tosewa Ogundare, who tragically passed away after a brief illness reportedly triggered by the shock of his sudden termination.

The deceased guard leaves behind a family with many responsibilities.

The sacked guards are not seeking to protest or sue the government but are instead pleading for assistance with their welfare.

They are requesting that the government consider providing them with gratuity and pension benefits, given their years of service. If reinstatement is not possible, they hope the government will do something tangible to support them and their dependants.

The children of the late Michael Tosewa Ogundare have joined the plea, appealing to the Ogun State Government to provide some form of support, particularly in the area of gratuity and pension allowances that were not discussed or provided upon termination.

The guards’ families are struggling to cope with the sudden loss of income, and the government’s intervention is eagerly awaited.