The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Owodunni, has dismissed outrage over the demolition of homes in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, suggesting that displaced residents would eventually “run to NGOs” for help but gain nothing.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Owodunni argued that residents had “over three years” to secure government approval, yet failed to act.

"We gave you all enough time, over three years. We even announced the need to visit the government for one year on Wazobia FM. We made the announcement in English and Yoruba but none of you went,” he said.

"Only one of you went and got approval.

He said, "Now that the demolition has happened, you are shouting ‘Government, Government.’ Some officials of the government came recently, and you bullied them.

"Some of you are still parading survey plans, but anybody, any nonentity can prepare a survey plan.

"We want development, but things should be done the right away. I know you will run to those NGOs, but they have nothing to offer you. Is this how their own country is? Is this how America, London is? But they come here and start giving you false hope. If that's how their country is, why do you all want to travel there?”

"They will only use you to collect money and promise to help you," he said.

On Saturday, SaharaReporters reported that the Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) strongly condemned the ongoing demolition of houses in Oworonshoki, describing the exercise as a “crime against humanity.”

In a statement issued on Saturday, the group said the demolition began in the early hours of September 6, 2025.

OYF Secretary, Opeyemi Ogunlami, and Public Relations Officer, Towolawi Jamiu signed the statement.

The group alleged that the exercise was part of a larger attack that had been ongoing for more than two years.

"The demolition exercise is a continuation of the attack on Oworoshoki that started in July 2023, where over 1,000 homes have been destroyed and over 30,000 people rendered homeless, including women and children. We condemn this barbaric act outright!” it said.

According to OYF, the demolition was carried out in the middle of the night, with residents subjected to teargas.

"We know that the ruling APC government in Lagos is wicked and heartless, but never knew they could be inhumane to the point of destroying working people's homes in the middle of the night while they are sleeping, including firing teargas cannisters at those who are trying to take pictures and videos," it said.

The forum accused the state government of attempting to displace poor residents for the benefit of the wealthy.

It added that plans were underway to convert Oworoshoki into an elite residential estate.

"There is an ongoing plan to turn Oworoshoki to Elite Villa Estate, and this is being advertised on billboards around Oworoshoki, Victoria Island, and Lekki with a minimum price of N120,000 per square metre or approximately N60M per plot," it said.