By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Residents of Oworonshoki, under the HOPE Community Development Association (HOPE CDA) and SEA-FLOW Estate CDA, have appealed to the Lagos State Government to stop ongoing demolitions displacing families in the area.
In a formal letter addressed to the Lagos State Governor, the affected communities condemned the recent forced evictions carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). They stated that the demolitions have caused severe hardships, rendering families homeless and disrupting their economic stability.
While acknowledging the need for urban development, the residents argue that the land in question was legally acquired and government-approved under the Coker family name. They urged authorities to prioritize document verification and building permit approvals instead of resorting to forced evictions that violate human rights.
The community’s letter outlined five key demands:
- Immediate Suspension of Demolitions – A halt to further demolitions until fair extensions and agency support measures are in place.
- Humanitarian Assistance – Urgent aid from NGOs and other organizations to provide food, shelter, and medical support for displaced families.
- Fair Relocation and Compensation – Proper notice, hearings, and adequate compensation before any further displacement.
- Legal and Human Rights Advocacy – Support from legal bodies to ensure justice for affected residents.
- Inclusive Urban Planning – Engagement of community representatives in developing policies that balance development with social responsibility.
The letter, signed by key community leaders, stresses that the issue goes beyond property demolition, emphasizing the need to protect families, stability, and human dignity.
Copies of the appeal were also sent to the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, and other relevant stakeholders, including NGOs and human rights activists.
Community representatives are calling for swift government intervention to prevent further suffering and displacement. They remain hopeful that their appeal will prompt a constructive resolution and protect affected families from further hardship.