Lagos Residents
EKO HOT BLOG reports that residents of Mende Estate Villa in the Maryland area of Lagos State expressed dismay over the recent demolition of their multimillion-naira houses by the Lagos State Government. They are now seeking compensation for alternative housing.
The destruction of the estate’s homes was observed, with occupants hastily packing their belongings to vacate.
Several residents lamented the distress of leaving their homes without a backup plan or a comfortable place to relocate.
The state Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, justified the demolition, citing the need to reclaim the Odo Iya Laro drainage channel.
Renowned Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade, criticized the demolition at the estate, stating concerns about its impact on real estate investment in the state.
An anonymous member of the resident association revealed that attempts to negotiate with the Lagos State Government were fruitless, and they were not given any prior notice before the demolition commenced on Saturday.
“The Lagos State Government came and said they wanted to demolish the place. They did not serve us any letter of demolition. We were negotiating with the government yesterday (on Saturday), and before we knew it, they just moved in with their bulldozer.”
He added that although there were miscreants in the estate, the security guards were making every effort to stop them from stealing their possessions.
“They have not told us what they want the estate for. All they said was that we were too close to the canal. Miscreants are everywhere, and the security officers are trying to prevent them from stealing anything because residents’ properties are scattered everywhere,” he lamented.
Another resident in the area, simply identified as Kayode, said the government asserted that the houses were too close to the canal and that they had yet to discuss with the residents.
Kayode added, “Nothing has been said so far. We are hoping that they will come and have a discussion with us. For now, all we know is that we have to move out. They do not care where we will move. They have started demolishing areas around a bridge in the area, and we never thought it would get to our area.”
He stated that the issue might potentially end in court, and he was hoping that the appropriate party would win.
“They said the houses are too close to the canal, but they should have known before now because before we all built all the houses, we got approval from the government. I am sure the issue will end up in court, and the court can decide who they think is right,“ he said.
Lagos Residents
Another resident, simply identified as Tega, claimed that the residents’ biggest nightmare came true when the government gave them two hours to leave their houses.
She said, “We did not get any prior notification. They gave us two hours to exit the estate. They told us yesterday (on Saturday). Most people have moved out since then, and we are just trying to get the pieces today. It is the worst nightmare for some of the families here.”
When contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that before the demolition, several meetings were held with the residents.
Omotoso said, “The government cannot be so heartless as to tell people to leave their homes in two hours. The Commissioner for Environment was on Arise News Television this morning (Sunday), and he explained everything.
“He explained how many years they had been at it, even before he came to office. On his social media page, he released a series of videos of meetings he had with them.
He clarified that the state Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources visited the estate two weeks ago to engage in negotiations with the residents. He emphasized the necessity of preventing flooding in the community.
“He was present both last week and two weeks ago. Contrary to the claim of a mere two-hour notice, negotiations have been ongoing. However, we must consider the broader community’s welfare. If allowing one house to remain jeopardizes the entire area with flooding, it’s not justifiable. No one can be evicted without prior legal notice in our country. Compensation for building on drainage channels is unprecedented and not mandated by law.”
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