In a show of resistance, residents of Agric-Owutu in Ikorodu, Lagos, have protested the Lagos State Government’s plans to demolish marked houses in the area. Angry youths gathered and prevented officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development from commencing the demolition on Thursday, as seen in a video clip obtained by our correspondent.
The state government had reportedly scheduled the removal of homes belonging to residents due to road construction along the Agric-Owutu-Isawo-Arepo Road. In the video, community members blocked the bulldozer and task force sent by the ministry, engaging in discussions with state officials.
Residents expressed their discontent, stating that the government had not consulted with the community before planning the demolitions. One resident said, “You people didn’t hold a meeting or consult anyone in the community, you just came here and said you want to demolish buildings.”
The state official attempted to mediate, assuring the residents that authorities would explain the situation. However, one resident responded, “But you are from the authorities, and you are here; talk to us. You can’t demolish any of our buildings.”
Residents cited an ongoing case at the Lagos State High Court as the basis for preventing the demolition. They also claimed that the state government had not engaged in a dialogue with them regarding compensation, alleging that the state intended to acquire and demolish their buildings for public purposes.
While some landlords expressed concerns that the bulldozers might return at a later time to carry out the demolition, there were difficulties in reaching the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Olumide Olayinka, and the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, for comments at the time of this report.