Lagos Homeowners Call on Tinubu to Halt Demolition Plans by Minister of Works
In a heartfelt plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a group of retired senior citizens in their mid-80s, including Professor Oluropo Sekoni, Dr. Kola Akinleye, Bonojo Olalekan, and Festus Ogwu, have expressed deep concern over the impending demolition of their homes in the Lafiaji Community, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The demolition, they claim, is being driven by the Lagos State Government at the behest of the Federal Government to pave the way for the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The property owners, who have lived in their homes since retirement, are now grappling with the fear that their houses, long considered safe havens, may be razed due to what they describe as an “arbitrary deviation” from the long-established Right-of-Way (RoW) by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. They are appealing to President Tinubu to intervene and direct the minister to revert to the original RoW, as previously established.
Dr. Kola Akinleye, speaking on behalf of the affected residents, expressed his dismay during a press conference. At 83 years old, Dr. Akinleye recounted how he had to cut short a medical trip to the United States after receiving news that his home had been marked for demolition. He described returning to find his flowerbeds vandalized, with demolition markings on his wall, an experience he likened to being at war.
“We are loyal citizens who have served this country diligently. It is distressing to be faced with the threat of losing our homes, especially at our age,” Dr. Akinleye stated. He emphasized that the residents of Lafiaji are not against development but believe that the government’s actions should be just and considerate of their rights as property owners.
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The community’s legal counsel, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, also stressed that the residents are not trespassing on the RoW, having obtained all necessary approvals and permits from the Lagos State Government when they purchased and developed their properties. He pointed out that the original RoW was clearly marked and established in 2006, under Tinubu’s governorship in Lagos State.
However, the residents allege that recent developments suggest the new alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being manipulated, benefiting individuals who have illegally encroached on the original RoW. They call on the Federal Government to address these irregularities and uphold the law.
The Federal Government announced the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in March 2024, envisioning it as a vital transportation artery connecting nine states. The project, expected to cost ₦15.6 trillion, has stirred controversy due to the displacement of residents along its proposed route.
As the affected homeowners await a response from the authorities, they remain hopeful that President Tinubu will intervene to protect their homes and ensure the project is carried out in a manner that respects their rights and the rule of law
