Lagos begins payment of compensation to Oworonshoki residents affected by demolition

By Lukman Olabiyi

Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), has commenced the payment of compensation to verified residents of the Oworonshoki community in Kosofe Local Government Area whose properties were recently demolished during clearance operations.

The compensation exercise, which began on Thursday, October 23, took place at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki and was attended by community leaders, officials from LASURA, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and representatives of civil society organizations.

Speaking at the event on Friday, the Director-General of LASURA, Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun, said a total of 80 beneficiaries had been identified and compensated between Thursday and Friday.

“We started the payment of compensation yesterday, and several residents have received their cheques. The total number of people being compensated is 80. This is proof that what Mr. Governor promised has been fulfilled,” Animashaun said.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support, as well as to the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Abiodun Babatunde, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, for ensuring smooth coordination and implementation of government policies.

Addressing allegations that residents were not properly informed before the demolition, Animashaun clarified that the area had been designated as a regeneration zone over five years ago.

“Government does not just move into an area without due notice. Many of these residents have long been aware that their community falls under a regeneration plan. Some may deny knowledge, but due process was followed,” he stated.

According to the LASURA boss, compensation amounts varied based on property type, ranging between ₦3 million and ₦5 million, while smaller payments were made for kiosks and makeshift structures.

“Someone with a bungalow cannot receive the same compensation as someone with a storey building. The payments were fair, and you could see smiles on people’s faces as they received their cheques,” he added.

On the government’s long-term plan for the area, Animashaun explained that the cleared land would be redeveloped into a modern, well-planned community with improved infrastructure and living conditions.

“Urban regeneration is about replacing unhealthy, unsafe environments with planned communities that meet modern standards. That is what the Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to achieving in Oworonshoki,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Okanlawon Sanni, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe Constituency I, described the compensation exercise as a practical demonstration of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s compassion and commitment to urban renewal with a human face.

“What we are witnessing today is not just about demolitions; it is about development with dignity. The affected residents are being duly compensated in line with the Governor’s assurance that no one will suffer unjustly in the process of renewing Lagos,” Sanni said.

He commended LASURA for ensuring transparency and fairness in the process, noting that the regeneration project aims to give Oworonshoki a new lease of life through improved housing, drainage, potable water, and accessible roads.

Sanni appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperative, assuring them that the government’s actions were in the public interest.

“I understand the emotions involved, but Lagos is growing, and we must plan our space responsibly. The ultimate goal is to make Oworonshoki a place where families can live in safety and comfort,” he added.

Meanwhile, some beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the compensation received.

Two residents, Chioma Idoko and Taiwo Solola, who each received ₦200,000, said the payments were a welcome relief and thanked the Lagos State Government for fulfilling its promise.

“It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing. We appreciate the government for remembering us,” one of the beneficiaries said.