By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Residents of Oworonshoki on Monday rejected the visit of the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Hon. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, amid ongoing tensions over recent demolitions in the community.
In an 82-minute video obtained by Kosofe Post, residents were heard chanting “Ole, ole, ole, ole ooo” (meaning thief in Yoruba) as the chairman arrived in the area. An unidentified voice in the recording alleged that community members had repeatedly tried to reach Mr. Ogunlewe before the demolitions, but their calls were ignored.
Kosofe Post had earlier reported how officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) carried out late-night demolitions in Oworonshoki, displacing hundreds of residents, including women, children, and vulnerable persons, without immediate relief measures.
In reaction to Monday’s incident, the chairman’s media office issued a statement describing the visit as a peace mission intended to foster dialogue. The statement, signed by Comrade Olúwọlé Òbísànyà, Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, noted that Mr. Ogunlewe expressed sympathy to displaced families and facilitated discussions between government agencies and community leaders led by Pastor Allen, Chairman of the Oworonshoki Joint CDA.
According to the statement, the council chairman reiterated his commitment to “inclusive governance and conflict resolution through meaningful consultation,” adding that further engagements are planned to seek lasting solutions and restore calm in the community.
The incident underscores the deepening mistrust between residents and government authorities, as protests and public outcry over the demolitions continue to spread.