Anger as Sanwo-olu continues demolition of Lagos buildings

The Lagos State Government on Monday, April 15, 2024, continued with its demolition exercise of buildings under the system 1 drainage channel midstream.

The affected areas include Ojota and Ogudu. According to the report, the removal of illegal structures came after the expiration of several served contravention notices on the property owners.

During the demolishing exercise, the operatives of the Drainage Enforcement and Compliance (DEC) had the presence of the Task Force on Special Offences and other agencies.

Recall that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources held meetings involving the legislative Assembly, held on December 21, 2023 in a bid to find lasting solutions to the drainage problems.

According to Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, none of the property owners could provide evidence of titles to the structures built on the drainage right of way.

Wahab noted that with the absence of valid titles, all the structures on System 1 Right Way would be demolished.

He further raised concerns at the actions of some property owners after contravention notices had been served.

The commissioner explained that the demolishing exercise would address the issue of perennial flooding in the state.

Reacting to the development, several Nigerians expressed their disappointment at the government's decision.

@Zeak_Ky: One can’t invest in lagos and have rest of mind. Demolishing houses and businesses. Just take your investment outta Lagos.

@Balatic: The reason they want to demolish Landmark is not the coastal road. The road is just the most convenient excuse, just like open gutters is the easiest excuse for demolishing many mansions in Lagos. Message is: going forward, invest only where your investment will be safe

@j_samdavid: The same man is demolishing poor peoples community everyday in Lagos. The people of Oworoshoki water side he turned to destitutes. You couldn’t be more right.

@TimiBlaze: There is no country in the world apart from countries like Nigeria led by pathetic unwise elements, where you can see this number of mass demolishing of people’s properties and you won't see the government officials who approved them going to prison in mass!

@vitoaop1231: Since inception of your administration. We have not seen you building any infrastructure only we see online is removing, demolishing structures. Could you please tell us your plans on proper sewage disposal treatment for Lagos state.

@Dannygo07083117: Lagos is yet to tell us what's really happening to all the Igbo markets. If they are not demolishing them, fire is engulfing them. We perfectly understand the game plan.