Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has criticized the decision of the Lagos State Government to dismantle street gates in Lekki Phase 1, terming it ill-advised. Adegboruwa contends that the removal leaves residents exposed and calls for increased security measures.
In a statement on Sunday, Adegboruwa highlighted that residents erected the street gates in response to the influx of criminals and street urchins following the COVID-19 pandemic and #EndSARS protests in 2020. He emphasized that the gates served as a crucial security measure to protect residents and their assets.
Adegboruwa pointed out two primary reasons behind the installation of the Lekki street gates: securing against criminal activities and managing the influx of commercial entities, cart pushers, street urchins, beggars, and environmental pollutants. He claimed that residents obtained permission in writing from the state government to erect the gates, adhering to prescribed fees and regulations.
The lawyer alleged that the state government received inaccurate information during President Bola Tinubu’s Christmas holiday visit, suggesting that the street gates caused gridlock on Lagos Island and Lekki Phase 1.
Adegboruwa urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to collaborate with the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association to establish a workable arrangement that ensures security and safety. He expressed concern that the government’s actions compromise the security of citizens and expose them to avoidable danger.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, defended the removal of the gates. Akosile argued that the administration’s actions were justified, citing instances where emergency response was hindered due to locked street gates. He contended that those erecting street gates were violating environmental laws and emphasized that the government allocates plots, not roads, to residents.
The controversy raises questions about the balance between security measures and adherence to environmental regulations, sparking a debate over the role of street gates in safeguarding communities.