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Demonstrators obstruct Lekki-Epe Expressway as Lagos State Government carries out extensive demolition of estate, contrary to court orders
The Lagos State government is carrying out demolitions of structures it has labeled as ‘illegal’ or having permits in the Jakande Estate area. In response, residents have gathered to block the Lekki-Epe Expressway, protesting against the demolition of their properties.
In the Sangotedo area of Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos, residents and homeowners in Hopeville Estate find themselves in a challenging position as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration proceeds with the demolition of their homes.
As demolition activities progress, with several houses already demolished in Hopeville Estate, residents of Jakande Estate have taken measures to impede the access road. Security forces, including anti-riot police assisting in the demolitions, have been mobilized to disperse the blockage.
Nigeria stories in tweet posted on its X handle, explained that the Task Force and anti- riot police have arrived the scene with tear gas to disperse the angry residents.
The tweet reads: "Reports reaching us states that Jakande Estate residents in Lagos have blocked Lekki Epe Express way.
"Task Force and anti- riot police have arrived the scene with tear gas."
Meanwhile, residents of Hopeville Estate, in the Sangotedo are still in confusion and state of despair following the Friday’s demolition which had left them homeless.
Accompanied by security personnel, a task force from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), reportedly descended upon the estate with two bulldozers and other heavy machinery, for a demolition exercise that has left numerous buildings in the estate in ruins. This is despite the matter also being in court.
LABSCA had maintained that prior notice of the demolition was served on the residents, citing non-approval of building plans as justification.
However, residents claim the notice was insufficient, especially with a pending court case which has been served on the government. As a result, they say they are unprepared for the sudden destruction of their homes.
A visit to the estate reveals a scene of devastation, with many buildings reduced to rubble and debris scattered across the streets. Some homeowners, faced with the loss of their properties, have resorted to selling salvaged scraps and materials to scavengers. Furniture and household appliances now line the sidewalks, a testament to the abrupt displacement experienced by the residents.
Adding to the distress, armed policemen have been deployed throughout the estate, further intensifying the atmosphere of tension and unease among the affected community members.
Videos capturing residents’ grievances regarding what they call hasty and illegal demolition have circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing attention to the plight of those impacted by the actions of the state agency and law enforcement officials.
While Hopeville Estate contends with the demolition underway, residents face a future filled with uncertainty and the challenging endeavor of reconstructing their lives.
An individual impacted by the demolition shared with Channels TV that the estate’s residents remain in a state of bewilderment in light of the unfolding events.
The anonymous resident mentioned that the estate had encountered difficulties with certain individuals in the past and was actively working towards resolving these issues before the recent demolition took place.
“So we were in that process before suddenly on Friday we saw trucks of policemen and our armed policemen and bulldozers moving to the area without any notification to anybody and began to break people’s houses and homes everywhere,” he said.
“Many people who were living in their houses were suddenly thrown out of their houses and they had to sleep right on the streets through the night between Friday and Saturday; as the rain fell, most of the people were outside when the rain was falling in the middle of the night. The demolition has continued up till this time and it’s still we are at this point. We still don’t understand who is behind this and what is going on.
“They are claiming that it is from LABSCA. Nothing has been explained to us on why LABSCA is going through this.
“Because we know even if you say people constructed without a permit, that there are processes of integrity tests that can be conducted to confirm whether the buildings are sound or not.
“And then there are penalties for people who have constructed, maybe without a permit to pay penalties to the government, and then we let their properties be in these difficult times. How can somebody, you know choose this alternative as a better alternative breaking down you can say building; nine flats? You know, there are so many people with our houses in Nigeria now, and you are trying to throw more people under the same pressure. This is just not acceptable.”
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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