- Lagos Lawmakers Justify Demolition of Illegal Structures in Makoko, Oworonsoki
- Govt has intensified the removal of unauthorised structures, particularly in the Oworonsoki and Makoko areas of the state
- Ogundipe added that the leadership of the House viewed the demolition as a responsible and forward-looking measure
The Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed support for the state government’s ongoing demolition of illegal structures and shanties erected along shorelines and beneath high-tension power lines across the state.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, made the Assembly’s position known in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.
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The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has recently intensified the removal of unauthorised structures, particularly in the Oworonsoki and Makoko areas of the state.
Last Thursday, residents of Makoko staged a protest at the Assembly complex, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt further demolitions. The protesters argued that the exercise had displaced families and affected livelihoods within the waterfront community.
Responding to the concerns, Ogundipe, who represents Oshodi Isolo Constituency One, said the demolition exercise was a necessary intervention aimed at protecting lives and property.
He described the proliferation of makeshift structures along shorelines as a major safety concern, noting that such areas had increasingly become hideouts for criminal activities.
“It is quite worrisome that we have ramshackle structures, sheds, and shanties along shorelines,” Ogundipe said. “These areas have become havens for miscreants, street urchins, kidnappers, touts, traders, and hawkers who vandalise public utilities and pose threats to law-abiding citizens.”
He acknowledged that the exercise might be painful for affected residents but insisted that it was essential in the interest of public safety, environmental protection, and compliance with planning regulations.
According to him, the government’s actions demonstrate a commitment to preventing avoidable disasters and promoting sustainable urban development.
Ogundipe added that the leadership of the House viewed the demolition as a responsible and forward-looking measure, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with government officials.
He assured affected communities that their concerns would not be overlooked and called on citizens to comply with building regulations and planning approvals to prevent similar situations in the future.
The lawmaker also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to balancing enforcement with empathy, stressing that while the law must be upheld, displaced residents should not be left without support during the transition.
