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By Oluseye Ojo
The Coalition Against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Land-grabbing, and Displacement in Lagos State has called on the Lagos State Government to immediately halt ongoing demolition exercises in Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, Otumara and Baba-Ijora.
The coalition warned that the actions violate court orders, constitutional guarantees, and international human rights standards.
The group, which made the call during a joint press conference in Lagos, said many people have lost their lives due to risks associated with displacement.
Assistant Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Zikora Ibeh, who read the coalition’s statement, said the demolitions overwhelmingly affect low-income residents and represent what she described as a deliberate pattern of state-enabled violence against the urban poor.
The coalition also includes EndbadGovernance Movement, Active Citizen, Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, Centre for Human and Social Economic Rights (CHSR), Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEEHOPE), Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims, Ajegunle Peoples Movement (APM), Makoko Waterfront Community and Owode Motor Spare Parts Market.
Ibeh alleged that the demolition exercises are being carried out to clear prime land for elite interests and private mega-development projects, often without adequate notice, consultation, compensation or resettlement plans for affected communities.
The coalition argued that Lagos State could not credibly aspire to global city status, while pursuing policies that marginalise its most vulnerable residents, stressing that such development approaches are neither just nor sustainable.
The group called on the state government to immediately provide safe, and short-term emergency shelter for displaced families, learning support for affected schoolchildren, and access to healthcare for residents requiring medical attention following the demolitions.
The coalition also demanded full compensation for victims, including restitution for destroyed homes, schools and health facilities. It also urged the government to initiate a transparent and inclusive resettlement plan that involves affected communities.
The organisations further called for a public apology from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what they described as the harm, violence, displacement and suffering caused by the demolitions, as well as accountability for the alleged use of force and reported killings by state agents during the exercises.
