Lagos Govt Justifies Oworonshoki Demolition, Says Residents Ignored Warnings

By Ademola Adekusibe
September 9, 2025

The Lagos State Government has defended its ongoing demolition of structurally unsafe buildings in Oworonshoki, insisting that residents were given several years’ notice before the exercise began.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development, Gbolahan Owodunni Oki (FNIA), who addressed the community on Monday, September 8, 2025, said the government had consistently used radio stations such as Wazobia FM for almost a year to sensitize residents. He noted that only one building in the affected area had proper approval, while most others were illegal and distressed.

Oki explained that officials who attempted to mark the defective buildings were repeatedly bullied by residents, despite being given more than three years’ notice to vacate. He added that government representatives returned two to three weeks ago to issue another round of notifications.

“We want development, and people must understand that development comes with sacrifices. Because we did not want them to be caught unawares, we gave them enough time, over three years. Instead, they filed complaints through NGOs that only use them for personal gains. Is this how their own countries operate? If so, why do they always want to run to London?” he said.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that Lagos cannot afford to stall development. He cited similar urban renewal efforts in Gbelewura, insisting Oworonshoki would not be an exception. According to him, the government engaged residents, explained what was required of them, but many refused to comply simply because the directive came from the state.

“All the governor expects from them is cooperation. He wants to give development, but they want to take. The buildings around here are weak and decapitated. If any of them collapses and kills people, it will not be said that the owners ignored government’s warnings, it will be blamed on government. We cannot allow that,” Oki said.

He emphasized that most of the demolished structures were already in distress and could have fallen at any time. At the close of his address, Oki warned that the Lagos State Government “will not tolerate nonsense from anybody in this state.”