Demolition: Lagos lawmakers visit Makoko amid residents’ outcry
Residents of Makoko Call for Government Intervention Amid Ongoing Evictions
MAKOKO, Lagos — Emotions ran high in the waterfront settlement of Makoko on Monday as residents and schoolchildren gathered to appeal for government intervention during an assessment by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The visit comes amidst increasing concerns over forced evictions affecting multiple waterfront communities, including Makoko, Oko Agbon, and Sogunro.
Lawmakers from the House Committee on Rules and Business were met by members of the Makoko Gunuvi Students Association, who performed the national anthem and displayed placards advocating for the protection of their community. One message read, “Our community is our home; help us protect it,” as residents urged authorities to halt further demolitions.
The source of the tension stems from a high-voltage power transmission line that runs through the area. The government maintains that structures cannot be built beneath the power cables to ensure safety. However, residents argue that demolition efforts have exceeded the designated 100-meter safety corridor, with claims of buildings being affected as far as 522 meters away.
Chief Emmanuel Shemede, the Baale of Oko Agbon, characterized the situation as a humanitarian crisis, noting that many residents have lost their homes. He recounted the struggles faced by families, stating, “Many people are now homeless and are sleeping in their canoes, including women and children. The government came and started demolishing our houses beyond what we agreed on. We are not fighting the government; we are only seeking a solution.”
Kojo Phineas, another community representative, urged authorities to provide immediate assistance for affected families, including compensation and temporary shelter. He reported instances of intimidation and theft during the demolition process.
The lawmakers’ visit was momentarily disrupted when disagreements among residents escalated, prompting officials to avoid certain areas of the waterfront to ensure safety while continuing their assessment elsewhere.
The delegation included Hon. Adebayo Adefuye, Chairman of Yaba Local Government Area, and officials from relevant government agencies. Following the visit, Hon. Noheem Adams, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, called for calm and announced a temporary suspension of further demolitions until the Assembly reaches a decision.
“We cannot take a decision today because this visit is strictly to assess the situation on the ground,” Adams stated. “However, we are appealing to everyone that the status quo should be maintained. If the government respects the decision of the House of Assembly, the people must also respect it.”
Residents continue to face uncertainty regarding their future. Student leader Agbola emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the Makoko community, stating that residents are demanding the rebuilding of demolished homes and adequate compensation for those displaced.
Lawmakers are scheduled to discuss their findings at a meeting of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, February 10, where a final decision regarding the affected waterfront communities is expected.
