Oworonshoki: Only Illegal Structures Were Pulled Down — Lagos Govt

By Sesi Noah  The Lagos State Government has defended the recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, saying the structures were illegal ...

By Sesi Noah 

The Lagos State Government has defended the recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, saying the structures were illegal and unsafe for residents.

Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the affected properties were not approved and posed serious risks to lives.

Residents of Oworonshoki had on Monday staged a protest that disrupted traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge, following the demolition exercise. The government explained that the operation targeted illegal buildings erected along the Lekki and Oworonshoki coastal lines.

Olumide stressed that contrary to claims, the state had carried out engagements before moving in, although the exact time of enforcement is never disclosed for security reasons. He expressed concern about the trend of squatters starting with makeshift shelters and later expanding into permanent structures, often through illegal land sales by so-called omo onile.

According to him, Lagos cannot overlook the dangers posed by unapproved structures, citing previous cases where distressed buildings collapsed, including one in Ebute Meta that claimed the life of an 83-year-old man.

He listed categories of buildings that risk demolition across the state: those under high-tension wires, on gas pipelines, blocking drainage paths, or built without government approval. Structures illegally erected on state-owned land also fall under this category.

“In the case of Iyana Oworo, the occupants had no approval whatsoever, so the demolition was inevitable,” he said.

On whether victims would be compensated, the commissioner ruled it out, arguing it would be unfair to use taxpayers’ money to pay for illegal structures.

He also urged Lagosians to be cautious when buying land, warning that many so-called local landowners (omo onile) sell land illegally. He advised prospective buyers to always verify land titles and follow due process before investing.

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