Lagos Assembly Demands Shutdown of Yard 158 Events Centre
The Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a decisive stand against corporate defiance, calling for the immediate closure of the popular Yard 158 Events Centre located in Oregun. In a session on January 9, 2026, lawmakers urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) to shut down the facility following its persistent refusal to address a consumer petition and its repeated disregard for legislative summons.
The Root of the Conflict: A ₦3 Million Refund Dispute
The trouble began on January 30, 2025, when a petitioner, Mrs. Nurat Alaba, paid a deposit of ₦3 million to reserve the Yard 158 Events Centre for an event scheduled for December 21, 2025. On the same day she made the payment, she requested a minor date change to December 20.
According to the details presented to the House by the Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, the management of the event centre failed to provide a timely response. After months of follow-up, the petitioner was informed that a 33% cancellation fee would apply. Mrs. Alaba agreed to these terms and requested a refund of her remaining balance.
However, the situation took a sour turn in October 2025 when the management allegedly shifted the goalposts. They reportedly informed the petitioner that the 33% cancellation fee would be calculated based on the full event cost of ₦6.5 million, rather than the ₦3 million deposit she had actually paid. Feeling cheated and ignored, Mrs. Alaba sought intervention from the state government.
Disregard for Constituted Authority
The move to shut down the centre is not just about the refund, but about the company’s refusal to cooperate with state institutions. Hon. Tobun informed the House that Yard 158 Events Centre had repeatedly ignored official invitations from both LASCOPA and the House Committee.
”This level of disregard for constituted authority will not be tolerated in Lagos State,” Tobun stated. The lawmaker expressed frustration that despite multiple formal summons, no representative from the event centre appeared to provide their side of the story. This defiance, lawmakers argue, undermines the rule of law and the protective mechanisms put in place for Lagos residents.
Legislative Support and Decisive Action
The motion received overwhelming support from other members of the House. Hon. Nureni Akinsanya emphasized that allowing businesses to ignore lawful directives would set a dangerous precedent. Similarly, Hon. Kehinde Joseph noted that petition hearings are vital for maintaining order and fairness in the state.
Following the deliberations, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit the resolution to the appropriate executive authorities. The resolution seeks:
- Immediate closure of Yard 158 Events Centre by LASCOPA.
- Compulsory appearance of the management before the House Committee.
- Restitution for the petitioner based on fair consumer protection laws.
What This Means for Event Centre Owners in Lagos
This development serves as a stern warning to business owners across Lagos State. The Sanwo-Olu administration, through LASCOPA and the House of Assembly, is signaling that consumer rights are non-negotiable. Businesses are expected to:
- Maintain transparent refund and cancellation policies.
- Respond promptly to consumer grievances.
- Honor invitations from regulatory and legislative bodies.
Conclusion
The standoff between the Lagos Assembly and Yard 158 Events Centre highlights the growing influence of consumer protection agencies in Nigeria. For Mrs. Alaba, the path to justice has moved from a private dispute to a matter of state policy. As the Governor receives the resolution, the business community will be watching closely to see how the state enforces its authority against corporate non-compliance.
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