The Lagos State Government has spoken out on the recent demolition of structures in Oworonshoki, clarifying that the exercise was necessary to protect lives and prevent future disasters.
Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, stressed that the affected buildings were illegal, unapproved, and unsafe for habitation.
Earlier this week, some residents of Oworonshoki expressed their anger over the demolitions by blocking the Third Mainland Bridge. Many accused the government of acting without warning.
However, Olumide dismissed those claims, explaining that stakeholder engagements and warnings were issued prior to the exercise.
“We don’t announce the exact date of enforcement, but there is always engagement before demolition takes place,” he stated.
The commissioner highlighted a growing trend where makeshift shelters along coastal lines are gradually turned into permanent buildings, often through illegal land sales by touts popularly called omo onile.
He warned that such practices not only violate planning regulations but also put lives at risk. Citing past tragedies like the Ebute Meta building collapse that claimed the life of an 83-year-old man, Olumide emphasized that distressed or illegal buildings are a ticking time bomb.
According to the commissioner, structures built in the following areas are at risk of demolition:
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Under high-tension power lines
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On gas pipelines
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On drainage setbacks
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On government-owned land not allocated for development
On the issue of compensation, Olumide made it clear that the government will not pay affected occupants.
“Should taxpayers’ money be used to compensate someone for erecting an illegal structure? The answer is no,” he argued.
The government is urging residents and prospective land buyers to be vigilant when purchasing land or property. Buyers are advised to:
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Verify land titles
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Confirm planning approvals
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Avoid transactions with unauthorized sellers
Olumide added that many illegal land sellers falsely claim ancestral ownership of government land, reselling it to unsuspecting buyers. He stressed the need for due diligence to avoid financial losses.
