Lagos Government Halts Demolitions in Jakande Estate After Outcry

 

 The Lagos State Government has ordered an immediate halt to all ongoing demolition activities in the Jakande Estate area of Eti-Osa, following mounting protests, public backlash, and viral videos showing displaced families scrambling for shelter.

The announcement was made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a televised address late Sunday night. He emphasized the need to re-evaluate the situation on humanitarian grounds and said further demolitions will be paused until a full environmental and structural audit is completed.

“We cannot ignore the human impact,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “Yes, some structures violate planning laws, but we must also be mindful of the people who call these places home.”

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The demolition exercise, which began earlier this month, targeted dozens of buildings the government claims were erected on drainage paths, canal setbacks, and public lands. However, residents argue they were never notified or shown proof that their homes were illegal. Many said they had valid documentation or receipts issued by local government officials.

“We were sleeping when they came with bulldozers,” said Bukola Adeyemi, a mother of four whose house was torn down. “They didn’t show any paper. They just said ‘pack your things’ and within 30 minutes, our house was gone.”

The demolitions triggered heated debates across social media, with many accusing the Lagos State Government of poor urban planning enforcement and targeting the poor while sparing high-end illegal structures in elite neighborhoods.

Human rights organizations also joined the chorus of criticism. Amnesty International Nigeria described the actions as a “violation of dignity and economic rights” and called for compensation and proper resettlement of affected families.

In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu has set up a special review committee to investigate the legality of the demolitions and advise on alternatives for displaced residents. He also promised temporary housing support for those affected and emphasized the administration’s commitment to urban development with a human face.

“Development must not equal displacement,” said Mr. Damilola Ojo, an urban planner. “You can enforce the law and still respect people’s rights.”

Residents are now hopeful that the pause will turn into policy reform. Advocacy groups have called on the Lagos State Government to create clear communication channels with residents, digitize land use data, and ensure public participation in urban renewal projects.

As the city continues to grapple with rapid population growth and rising demand for housing, the Jakande Estate situation serves as a powerful reminder that urban modernization must not come at the cost of human lives and shelter.

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