This dispute and others between the market women and the colonial officials continued well into the 1940s. By the 1950s, when the LTC was managed by Nigerians, the women continued their resistance. Indeed they went all the way to the Supreme Court – and won – over some of the council’s “so-called public notices.”
As the disputes raged, several spokeswomen emerged. We may have heard about Alimotu Aminatu Pelewura, a fish monger at Ereko Market, who became the president of the Lagos Market Women’s Association. Other lesser known spokeswomen for the guilds were Madam Ojigobi, the Iya Egbe of Ereko Market; Rabiatu Alaso, Jariogbe Oniwaka, Ashiya Kosoko, Sabitiyu Opomoja, Simbi Ojigobi, Omorinlewa Eleto, Osenatu Dosunmu , Wusamotu Shelleh , and Binta Balogun.
…“eight policemen in the King’s Uniform chased them away from the old site at Ereko Market.”… “So where do you wish us to sell out foodstuffs?” she asked Rumens. He replied: “Go to Ijaye Street.” Pelewura countered: “We do not want that place, it is swampy.” The Secretary then told them to return to Kosoko Street. But she disagreed…
The women dug in their position and refused to accept the three hazardous sites offered. To show their disapproval, they closed Ereko, Faji, and Araromi markets. Naturally, this caused a lot of inconvenience. “We do not want any of the four sites of swamps and reclaimed foreshore. Our position is this: We do not wish to be shifted from Ereko Market where we have been before the Cession as you know; and even the new market at Idumagbo we do not wish to be shifted to and be deprived of Ereko Market.”