By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Oloworo of Oworonshoki, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Saliu, has assured displaced property owners that the Lagos State Government has agreed to provide cash compensation and restitution for victims of the recent demolition exercise in Oworonshoki.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at his palace on Sunday, the monarch explained that part of the reclaimed land would also be developed and allocated to the rightful owners of demolished properties.
“Contrary to what is being circulated online, I, your king, will never displace my people without a resettlement programme for them,” Oba Saliu said. “We have already secured restitution. Myself and Hon. Okanlawon Sanni have been able to get a cash compensation package, and the government has agreed to provide a portion of the land where new homes will be built for affected landowners.”
The monarch, however, cautioned residents against protests and social media campaigns, noting that much of Oworonshoki land had been under government acquisition since 1957. He also urged affected residents to direct their grievances to those who sold them land without proper documentation.
Lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency I, Hon. Sanni Ganiu Okanlawon, also expressed sympathy for affected residents, assuring them of government’s commitment to appropriate compensation. He distanced himself from the demolition exercise, pledging to work with relevant authorities to ensure transparency and fairness.
But despite the assurances, displaced residents voiced dissatisfaction with the resolution. Speaking on their behalf, Mr. Kamoeudeen Badewa said many families had been devastated by the demolition, with some residents reportedly dying from the shock of displacement.
“This is not the resolution we are looking for,” Badewa said. “What we want is the total return of our land, not compensation or restitution. The government officials who called us here did not even show up, and if this continues, we may stage a protest to Alausa to meet the governor face-to-face.”
The meeting, attended by community leaders and stakeholders, highlights both the attempts at reconciliation and the deepening grievances surrounding the demolition, which has displaced many households in Oworonshoki.