- Lagos Govt Stops Controversial Cemetery Construction in Bode Thomas
- Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that the government had halted all activities on the site
- Mr. Olarenwaju Olaniyan expressed disappointment that the same developer, Olumide Amure, allegedly resumed work despite earlier government intervention
The Lagos State Government has sealed a construction site for a proposed cemetery in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, following protests by residents who claimed the project posed health and environmental risks.
Eko Hot Blog reports that residents of the Natufe/Animashaun community took to the streets on Saturday morning, defying heavy rainfall to oppose what they described as an “unacceptable plan” to situate a burial ground within their residential neighbourhood.
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They argued that the project could contaminate groundwater and endanger public health, as many households in the area rely on boreholes for water.
Reacting to public concerns, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed that the government had halted all activities on the site.
“The burial ground site is sealed, and no such project will be developed there,” Omotoso said. “Residents need not worry.”
The protesters, armed with placards reading “No Cemetery Here” and “Protect Our Health,” gathered around the fenced site bordered by homes, a school, and a church just a few metres from the Bode Thomas junction traffic light.
The community’s CDA Chairperson, Mrs. Omolabake Braimoh, said residents were shocked to discover that construction had resumed after earlier opposition stopped similar attempts years ago.
“The developer tried this over two years ago, and we resisted it. Now he has returned, working day and night to force it through. We will not allow a cemetery here,” Braimoh said, adding that the community had petitioned relevant agencies and would continue to do so until the project is fully revoked.
A former CDA chairman, Mr. Olarenwaju Olaniyan, also expressed disappointment that the same developer, Olumide Amure, allegedly resumed work despite earlier government intervention.
“We fought this before, from the local to the state level, and he was stopped. I do not believe Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved this. The community will not sit back and allow its land and water to be polluted,” Olaniyan said.
When contacted, Mr. Amure told The Guardian that he would respond later, but as of press time, he had not replied to further inquiries.
Residents say they have submitted multiple petitions to Coker-Aguda LCDA and other agencies to ensure that the site remains permanently sealed.
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