By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Ta’awun Political Forum Visits Oworonshoki Demolition Victims, Urges Government Intervention
The executive members of the Ta’awun Political Forum have paid a condolence and solidarity visit to residents displaced by the recent unannounced midnight demolition of houses along the creek in Oworonshoki, Lagos.
The Forum said its decision to visit the community was influenced by the intervention of Mr. Bilesanmi Abayomi, founder of Kosofe Post, who had drawn public attention to the plight of the victims.
During the visit, the Forum described the scene as “heartbreaking,” noting the grief of elderly victims, families roaming around the rubble, and households left without shelter.
In a statement signed by its president, Taiwo Lasisi, the group urged the Lagos State Government to reassess its demolition plans along lagoon areas and to adopt measures that would mitigate the suffering of displaced residents.
The Forum also made a number of recommendations to the government, including:
• Provision of adequate compensation and support for displaced residents and landlords.
• Increased public sensitization against building along creeks, riverine areas, or government-acquired land.
• Immediate palliative measures to ease the hardship of victims.
• Construction of affordable housing estates like the Shagari and Jakande low-cost housing schemes.
• Stronger urban planning policies to curb unregulated development along waterlines.
The group further advised residents to verify land status with agencies such as the Ministry of Lands and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) before purchasing properties, to avoid future risks of demolition.
Lasisi also commended individuals and organisations that have extended support to the victims, including socio-political commentator Oloye Salami and community worker Pa Rasheed Awofeso, describing their efforts as exemplary.
He concluded by praying for the victims and calling on the state government to prioritize citizens’ welfare above political or personal interests.