The Lagos State Government has defended its recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, insisting that the affected structures were illegal, unapproved, and posed a danger to lives and property.

Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, explained that the demolition exercise was carried out after due process and prior engagements with stakeholders.

This comes after angry residents of Oworonshoki protested on Monday, blocking the Third Mainland Bridge to express their frustration over the demolitions along the community’s coastal line.

Dr Olumide dismissed claims that the demolitions were sudden or without warning.

“We don’t disclose the time of enforcement, but there is always engagement before any demolition takes place,” he said.

The commissioner noted that makeshift shelters in coastal areas are often illegally converted into permanent concrete structures, aided by land sales from local touts, popularly known as omo onile. He stressed that such practices put lives at risk, recalling incidents like the Ebute Meta building collapse, which killed an 83-year-old man.

He outlined the categories of structures most at risk of demolition in Lagos, including:

Buildings under high-tension power lines

Structures on gas pipelines

Houses on drainage setbacks

Properties on government-owned land not allocated for development

On compensation, the commissioner was firm that no payouts would be made to occupants of demolished buildings.

“Should taxpayers’ money be used to compensate someone for erecting an illegal structure? The answer is no,” he argued.

He urged Lagosians to be cautious when buying land, always verify titles, and follow due process to avoid falling victim to fraudulent land sales.

“Many so-called land sellers claim ancestral ownership of government land and then resell illegally. Buyers must be vigilant,” he warned.

 

The government reiterated that its goal is to ensure safety, orderliness, and compliance with planning regulations across Lagos State.