Shop owners operating within Robinson Shopping Plaza in Warri have raised serious concerns over alleged harassment and disruption of business activities by members of the family of late businessman, Kenneth Gbagi. The traders are appealing to government authorities and law enforcement agencies to intervene and ensure compliance with a court order aimed at protecting their businesses.
According to the affected tenants, tensions began after the passing of the plaza owner, which led to internal disagreements among members of the Gbagi family regarding rent collection. Traders say the conflict has resulted in confusion and hardship, as multiple individuals allegedly demanded that tenants pay their rent into different accounts.
Sources within the plaza reported that shortly after the death of the businessman, one of his children provided bank account details and instructed tenants to continue paying their rent as usual. However, another family member later disputed that directive, insisting that rent payments must instead be made to him as the eldest son.
The disagreement reportedly escalated when the individual who initially provided the account details allegedly began locking tenants out of their shops after the dispute intensified. Traders claim that more than 150 shops inside the plaza were affected, preventing business owners from accessing their stores and conducting daily trade.
The tenants say the situation became unbearable, prompting legal action. Nine of the traders jointly filed a case at the Delta State High Court seeking protection from what they described as unlawful harassment and interference with their businesses.
Court Orders Compliance in Kenneth Gbagi Plaza Dispute
In response to the legal action, Justice Emudainohwo N. E. of High Court No. 3 in Warri issued an order directing that the status quo be maintained. The court ruled that tenants must be allowed unhindered access to their shops and continue their commercial activities exactly as they were before the dispute began.
The ruling also warned members of the Gbagi family against locking shops or attempting to evict any tenant from the premises without obtaining a lawful court order.
Despite the court’s directive, some tenants claim that access to their businesses remains uncertain, and they are calling on authorities to enforce the judgment to prevent further disruptions.
Human rights activist Israel Joe has also weighed in on the matter, urging members of the Gbagi family to respect the court’s ruling and resolve their internal disagreements without dragging innocent traders into the conflict.
Joe emphasized that many of the tenants rely solely on their businesses in the plaza for daily survival. He warned that continued disruption could severely affect the livelihoods of hundreds of traders and their families.
“The disagreement within the family should not translate into suffering for tenants who legitimately rent and operate their businesses there,” the activist stated.
As tensions remain high, traders at Robinson Shopping Plaza continue to appeal to security agencies and the Delta State government for urgent intervention to ensure that the rule of law prevails and normal commercial activities are restored.
