By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Fresh controversy has emerged around Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Babatunde Okanlawon, popularly known as OKLA, the lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, following allegations by residents affected by recent demolitions in Oworonshoki.
The affected residents have accused the lawmaker of involvement in alleged land-grabbing activities and questioned the role of political actors in the controversial clearance exercises.
The allegations emerged during an online discussion monitored by Kosofe Post in a Nigerian diaspora community forum, where victims and other residents expressed anger over the impact of the demolitions.
Okanlawon had earlier visited some of the affected areas, where he reportedly sought to distance himself from the demolition exercise. However, some victims have continued to question the involvement of politicians in the development, alleging that government enforcement mechanisms may have been used to facilitate private interests.
Victim Alleges Widespread Displacement
One of the affected residents, Oladoye Mathew, publicly accused the lawmaker of being a “land grabber” and detailed what he described as the devastating consequences of the demolition.
Mathew alleged that more than 16,000 families had been displaced by the exercise, forcing some residents to seek temporary shelter in churches and mosques, while others, according to him, have remained around the ruins of their demolished homes.
He further alleged that the demolition contributed to the death of his father, a retired Lagos State civil servant.
According to Mathew, his father sustained a fatal head injury after enforcement personnel allegedly dragged him from his home and used tear gas during the operation. He said his father was subsequently treated at Gbagada General Hospital, where he died.
Mathew also claimed that his mother is currently battling the effects of a stroke which he attributed to the trauma surrounding the demolition.
«“Our land is not government-acquired land; I have strong evidence for that,” Mathew said.»
He further alleged that while compensation had been paid to property owners in areas officially acquired by the Lagos State Government, residents affected in Oworonshoki were allegedly excluded because of the purported private interests of political actors.
Mathew also claimed that other residents had died from trauma associated with the demolition, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Questions Over Land Ownership and Compensation
The allegations have raised fresh questions about the legal status of the affected properties, the basis for the demolition exercises and whether residents were adequately compensated before the structures were cleared.
The affected residents are expected to provide further documentation and evidence to support their claims, including documents relating to land ownership, compensation and the circumstances surrounding the demolitions.
Kosofe Post is also seeking additional information from victims and other relevant stakeholders with a view to putting the allegations to the lawmaker and obtaining responses from the appropriate authorities.
Okanlawon Yet to Respond
Okanlawon, who chairs the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has not publicly responded to the latest personal allegations attributed to the affected residents.
The allegations remain claims by individuals affected by the demolition and have not been independently established.
A response from Okanlawon or relevant government authorities would provide an opportunity to clarify the lawmaker’s role, the legal basis for the demolition exercises, the status of the affected properties and the compensation arrangements for displaced residents.
As the 2027 electoral season approaches, the controversy is likely to attract increased public attention, particularly among voters in Kosofe Constituency I and residents of Oworonshoki seeking clarity over the demolitions and their alleged consequences.