Rita Odafe
The Lagos State Government has identified thirty-nine buildings for demolition in two upscale neighborhoods in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area due to their violation of the Ikota Riverbank’s Right of Way (RoW).
Ikota is situated in the Maroko Okun Alfa ward within the Lekki region.
Officials issued indefinite eviction notices to those residing in the affected buildings, encouraging them to remove their belongings and relocate prior to the demolition.
The designated properties are in Oral Extension Estate and Westend, Mega Mond Estate. Among the marked buildings, 20 will undergo complete demolition, eight will face partial demolition, and 13 in Westend Estate will be entirely taken down.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources initiated the removal of fences around some of the targeted buildings, an operation led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab.
During a press briefing, Commissioner Wahab explained that this action was taken in response to multiple complaints regarding encroachments on the Ikota River.
“We have received numerous reports. We’ve been investigating for a significant time and determined that while we were searching for a solution, some developers continued to extend their structures over the RoW and alter the river’s flow,” Wahab stated.
He revealed that digital surveys uncovered substantial encroachment issues along the river.
“What we discovered was far from acceptable. We chose to let residents take their belongings, understanding they have families and children to consider,” he added.
Wahab mentioned that previous assessments indicated the situation at Oral Estate had deteriorated compared to last year, criticizing developers for continuing construction while discussions for resolution were in progress.
“We mobilized equipment to dismantle structures and prevent further encroachments. Our visits to Westend and Mega Mount revealed excessive reclamation beyond approved boundaries,” Wahab detailed.
Wahab stressed the importance of having adequate drainage and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals for any reclamation activities, cautioning that any further violations would be strictly dealt with.
“We have instructed them to cease operations, retract any sand deposits, and present the required documents. Non-compliance will result in stringent actions,” he warned.
Regarding the number of affected properties, Wahab clarified that 18 buildings are along the initial stretch, with another 13 located after the canal, and eight in Westend Estate earmarked for demolition.
Wahab expressed concern over developers deceiving buyers by selling properties without clear titles, leading to innocent families facing potential eviction.
“We aim for a solution that benefits all. While we empathize with the families affected, we must enforce the law,” he concluded.
The eviction notices are not time-sensitive, yet affected residents are urged to seek new housing and remove their belongings promptly.
