Makoko: Groups Condemn Lagos Demolitions, Demand Compensation and Resettlement for Affected Communities

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A coalition of human rights, environmental and social justice organisations has condemned the Lagos State Government over what it described as systemic and illegal forced evictions in several communities across the state.


In a joint statement, the groups accused the government of carrying out demolitions and displacements in communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, Otumara and Baba-Ijora, without adequate notice, consultation, compensation or resettlement plans.


The statement was jointly signed by Israel Idowu, Student Coordinator of the Makoko Waterfront Community; Comrade Abiodun Ahmed, Chairman of Owode Motor Spare Parts Market; Comrade Tunde Yusuf, Secretary of the Ajegunle Peoples Movement (APM); Olanrewaju Olusegun, Secretary of the Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims; Betty Abah, Founder of the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE); Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President of the Center for Human and Social Economic Rights (CHSR); Zikora Ibeh, Assistant Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); Prince Iwamitighi R. Irowainu, President of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide; Opeyemi Adamolekun, an active citizen; and Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a member of the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos State.


The organisations alleged that the demolitions disproportionately affected low-income residents such as fishermen, traders, women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and accused the state of prioritising private development interests over the welfare of vulnerable citizens.


According to the statement, the forced evictions are part of a long-standing pattern, citing previous demolitions in Otodo Gbame (2016–2017), Oworonshoki (2023), Orisunmibare (February 2024), Otto (March 2024) and Oko-Baba (September 2024).


The groups recalled that in March 2025, demolitions in Ilaje-Otumara and Baba-Ijora reportedly displaced over 10,000 residents, destroying homes, businesses and places of worship, and leaving many without shelter or livelihoods.


They also alleged that demolitions in Oworonshoki in October 2025 were carried out at night despite a subsisting court injunction restraining the Lagos State Government and its agencies from proceeding with the exercise, resulting in the displacement of more than 10,000 people.


On Makoko, the organisations said demolitions began on December 23, 2025, affecting over 3,000 homes and displacing more than 10,000 residents, with schools, clinics and places of worship also destroyed.


The Lagos State Government, according to the statement, justified the demolitions on safety grounds related to proximity to power lines, a claim the groups disputed.


The coalition called for an immediate halt to demolitions, compliance with court orders, provision of emergency shelter, compensation for affected residents, and the development of an inclusive resettlement plan in consultation with impacted communities.

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