The Lagos State government has demolished several buildings in the Agric Bus Stop, Owusu 1 Community Development Area (CDA) of Ikorodu, citing violations of building regulations. The move, however, has left many residents homeless and affected businesses and places of worship.
The demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the police, took place early in the morning, catching many residents off guard. Witnesses said officials arrived with bulldozers, preventing occupants from retrieving their belongings before their homes were destroyed.
One of the affected residents, Isaac Orobose, expressed frustration over the government’s actions, stating, “LASBCA came to us saying they wanted to demolish, and the matter was already in court. We were waiting for a legal resolution, yet they went ahead. Now, where do I take my children? Where will the elderly stay?” He also alleged that officials were selling off dismantled building materials to scavengers.
Similarly, the chairperson of Owutu 1 CDA, Princess Victoria Adebowale, criticized the demolition, insisting that residents had been engaging with authorities to prevent the action. “We were in court on March 21, and we also approached the Lagos State House of Assembly, where we were assured that they would intervene. Despite this, LASBCA proceeded with the demolition,” she said.
She further alleged that certain individuals were using government backing to take over their properties. “Our buildings are not in distress; something suspicious is going on,” she added.
In response, LASBCA spokesperson Ademuyiwa Adu defended the agency’s actions, asserting that only structurally unsafe buildings were demolished. “We had issued quit notices, and the residents should have vacated. These houses were unfit for habitation,” he said.
Government records indicate that on January 23, 2025, LASBCA had warned residents about unauthorized structures in the area. However, on January 28, the landlords and residents, through their solicitors, petitioned the Lagos State government, the State Assembly, and LASBCA’s Permanent Secretary, urging intervention to halt the demolition.
Despite these legal efforts, the demolitions went ahead, displacing thousands of residents and sparking outrage in the community. Many affected families are now left searching for shelter as they demand accountability from the government.
