The Lagos State Government has justified the recent demolition of buildings at Oworonshoki, insisting that the affected properties were illegal, unapproved, and posed serious risks to lives and property.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, addressed journalists on Wednesday at Alausa, Ikeja, where he clarified that the enforcement exercise followed due process and was preceded by engagements with stakeholders.
DAILY POST reports that residents of Oworonshoki on Monday protested and blocked the Third Mainland Bridge to express anger over the demolition of buildings along the community’s coastal line.
Olumide stressed that contrary to claims that the exercise was sudden and without notice, the government had issued warnings before acting.
“We don’t disclose the time of enforcement, but there is always engagement before any demolition takes place,” he stated.
The commissioner decried the recurring trend of makeshift shelters on coastal areas gradually transforming into permanent concrete structures through illegal land sales orchestrated by local touts, commonly referred to as ‘omo onile’.
He warned that unapproved buildings present grave dangers, pointing to past tragedies such as the collapse of a distressed building in Ebute Meta, which claimed the life of an 83-year-old man.
“When a building is declared distressed, it means it is no longer habitable and constitutes a direct threat to life,” he said.
Olumide outlined categories of structures liable to demolition in Lagos State, including those erected under high-tension power lines, on gas pipelines, on drainage setbacks, or on government-owned land not yet allocated for development.
On the issue of compensation, the commissioner ruled out any possibility of government payout to affected occupants.
“Should taxpayers’ money be used to compensate someone for erecting an illegal structure? The answer is no,” he argued.
He advised residents and prospective land buyers to exercise caution, verify land titles, and ensure compliance with planning regulations before making investments.
“Many of these so-called land sellers claim ancestral ownership of government land and then resell illegally. Buyers must be vigilant and follow due process to avoid costly losses,” he cautioned.
