The Lagos State government has demolished structures deemed “illegal” in Ikorodu, specifically in the Agric Bus Stop area of Owusu 1 Community Development Area (CDA).
The demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has left some residents homeless and affected businesses and worship centers.
Residents claimed they were caught off guard, with bulldozers and officials arriving unexpectedly to demolish their homes. Isaac Orobose, a resident, expressed frustration, saying, “We don’t have a government in Nigeria; where do I put my children? Where will the elders stay tonight?”
The state government had issued quit notices to residents on January 23, 2025, citing the development of shanties without building permits. However, residents petitioned the government, claiming they had taken the matter to court and were awaiting a decision.
LASBCA spokesperson Ademuyiwa Adu stated that they were only demolishing houses in distress, which had been deemed unfit. However, residents and community leaders disputed this claim, alleging that some individuals were using the government to seize their properties.