Residents of the Ilaje Otumara Community in Lagos State are in an uproar following the demolition of their ancestral homes by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA). The agency has been accused of conducting these demolitions without prior notice, leaving many families homeless and destitute.
Iwamitigha Irowainu, the President-General of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, voiced the community’s outrage during a press conference on Wednesday. He described the demolitions as “satanic, inhumane, and illegal,” revealing that over 5,000 homes were affected, impacting an estimated population of 500,000 residents. “The demolition has devastated the life investments of property owners in the community,” Irowainu stated.
The situation escalated dramatically when Irowainu and his entourage were reportedly held hostage for three hours by hoodlums during their attempt to address the media. He recounted that these individuals also attacked journalists present at the scene and chased away victims of the demolition.
According to Irowainu, the demolition began on February 11, 2025, when the LSBCA boss, accompanied by armed policemen and local thugs, ordered residents to vacate their properties within three days without any formal notification. In response, community members protested at the Governor’s Office in Alausa on February 12. During this protest, a representative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu allegedly denied any knowledge of planned demolitions in the Otumara Community and assured residents that they could continue their lawful activities.
In light of the devastation, Irowainu has called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to establish an internally displaced persons camp equipped with adequate relief materials to support those affected by the demolitions.
In contrast, Adu Ademuyiwa, the spokesperson for the LSBCA, dismissed the residents’ claims, labeling them as “unfair.” He stated that the agency had engaged in multiple discussions with the community regarding their alleged illegal occupation of the land. “What they have said is not true. They were staying there illegally. We invited them and held several meetings with them,” Ademuyiwa asserted.
He maintained that the agency had issued notices to the residents since last year and had even held discussions with the community’s Baale (village chief) regarding the land issues. “For them to claim otherwise, they are not being fair,” he added.
Disputes between the Lagos State government and property owners have been a recurring issue. Previous demolitions, such as those in Oworonshoki in July 2023, were justified by the government as necessary actions to eliminate criminal hideouts.
