By: Joy Ajibade
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Management convened a meeting with student stakeholders today at the JCR to address the recent conflict involving Lagbaja and handful number Zikites, which led to the closure of his shop from Friday night until Monday noon.
Led by Hall Warden Dr. Okunlade, the meeting aimed to restore peace within the Hall. To ease tensions, Dr. Okunlade urged peaceful hearing between the student stakeholders and Lagbaja
The Zik Hall Chairman, Fabiyi Oluwadamilare, mostly recognized as Fadaca, representing the voices of Zikites, summarized the issues and shared feedback he received via WhatsApp. Among many, one message highlighted that "Lagbaja's goods are too expensive, and he treats everyone disrespectfully, as if they are thieves." Another remarked, "Lagbaja needs to improve his approach; he shouldn’t look at customers as if they intend to steal from his shop."
Fadaca also noted that the absence of a price regulation committee in the Hall contributes to fluctuating prices. "The only way to regulate prices is for shop owners to be fair to customers, as prices can change drastically from one day to the next. However, in the past three weeks, I've witnessed Lagbaja catch more than three shoplifters. Conversely, over fifty Zikites have complained to me about his disrespectful treatment."
Mubarak, the Chairman of the Elders Block, echoed Fadaca's sentiments, stressing that Lagbaja should not assume everyone is a thief. Additionally, the speaker of the Zik Hall Sixth Assembly, Adetunji Samson threatened to have initiated a petition with 1,000 signatures seeking the closure of Lagbaja’s shop.
In response to the allegations, Lagbaja's rebuttal to the allegations against him came in form of plea, upon listing multiple scenerios of theft in his shop, he pleaded and promised to treat customers fairly. "I don’t harass students, except for the one who frequently steals from me. As for pricing, I sell according to current market rates," he stated.
As the meeting neared its end, Dr. Okunlade encouraged Zikites to seek alternative vendors if they find Lagbaja's prices too high. He also warned that any student caught stealing would be referred to the school management for appropriate action. "If you purchase any expired products from any vendor in the Hall, report them immediately," he advised in response to expired product concerns raised by the Hall Social Minister, Sotomee Daniel.
"Ensure that you implement the resolutions we’ve discussed today. We are monitoring the situation closely. For now, Lagbaja is on probation in Nnamidi Azikiwe Hall; any further issues may result in necessary actions," the Hall Warden concluded.