A report by the South West Professional Forum (SOWPROF) has revealed that a majority of the illegal structures demolished in Lagos belong to the Yoruba ethnic group.
Chief Segun Ajibulu, President of SOWPROF, emphasized this in a statement delivered to journalists by the group’s Assistant General Secretary, Lateef Kayode.
Dismissing claims of targeted demolition, SOWPROF, a coalition of South West-based professional groups, made it clear that the exercise was not aimed at singling out any specific group.
According to SOWPROF, thorough checks and extensive compilations have been conducted to ascertain the facts. The findings reveal that approximately 80% of the victims affected by the demolition of illegal structures in Lagos are from the South West region.
The group condemned attempts to give an ethnic colouration to the environmental issue, labeling it as self-serving. It expressed regret that ethnic politics is being injected into the Lagos State Government’s efforts to combat severe environmental hazards, which have resulted in flooding, loss of lives, and pose a threat to the collective future of the state’s residents.
SOWPROF urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not to be swayed by biased criticisms or the introduction of ethnic politics into what is fundamentally an environmental concern.
Notably, the forum stated that it commenced the compilation of the landlords’ names five months ago and assured that the details of the owners of the demolished buildings are accessible to the public.
Furthermore, SOWPROF highlighted that the issue of demolishing illegal structures is not unique to Lagos but a nationwide concern. It cited similar occurrences in cities across all six geopolitical regions of the country.
In September 2022, the then Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, ordered the demolition of 65 houses in Ogwuma, Afikpo South Local Government Area, following a landslide in July of the same year, the group reminded detractors.
Earlier this year, the communities of Obeagu and Ndiagu Amechi-Uwani Awkunanaw in Enugu South Local Government Area opposed the planned demolition of over 200 houses in Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City, commonly referred to as Centenary City, by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA).
Despite the opposition, the Enugu State Government proceeded with the demolitions. Similarly, the Abia State Task Force demolished numerous structures in Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Obingwa, and Ugwunagbor areas a few months ago. Uche Ukeje, Special Adviser to Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia, stressed the necessity of the demolition to uphold the state’s master plan.
Also, in Anambra State, the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) recently resumed the demolition of over 100 shops, hotels, and residential apartments situated along Oby Okoli Avenue to prevent flooding, the group added.
Highlighting the need for potential investors to verify the legal status of land or property before committing funds, SOWPROF urged various state governments to institute reforms in the Land Ministry.
“It is imperative for state governments to recognize that the Land Ministry is tainted with corrupt officials. Allowing individuals to purchase land, make significant investments, only to return years later to demolish structures after substantial resources have been expended is unwise,” SOWPROF asserted.
