Tension in Oworonshoki as residents protest Lagos government’s demolition exercise

There is tension in Oworonshoki, Kosofe LGA of Lagos overthe state government’s plan to continue demolitions under the ongoing urbanregeneration project. On Saturday, videos surfaced on social media showingresidents scampering for safety after teargas canisters were shot by securityoperatives attached to officials of the Lagos government. The officials were said to have arrived at the Precious Seedcommunity in Oworonshoki with bulldozers to continue the demolition ofstructures. However, residents resisted the officials, which led tosecurity operatives shooting teargas canisters. On Friday, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA)began paying compensation to affected property owners in Oworonshoki. The state government attributed the demolition to its urbanregeneration project. Speaking at the event, Oladimeji Animashaun,director-general of LASURA, said 80 residents had received compensation so far. “We started payment yesterday, and several residents havereceived their cheques,” he said. “The total number of beneficiaries is 80. This shows thatthe governor’s promise to those affected has been fulfilled.” Responding to criticisms that residents were not given amplenotice, the LASURA boss insisted that the demolition followed due process. “The government does not move into any area without notice,”he said. “Oworonshoki was marked as a regeneration zone over fiveyears ago. Some residents may deny knowledge, but there was propercommunication.” Animashaun said compensation was determined by propertyvalue, ranging between N3 million and N5 million for standard buildings, whileowners of kiosks and makeshift structures received lower sums. PREVIOUS PROTESTS The Oworonshoki demolition has become a major flashpointbetween the Lagos state government and residents who accuse officials offorceful evictions and land seizures. The controversy began after several buildings in the areawere demolished in September, triggering protests on the Third Mainland Bridge. Residents said bulldozers moved in at night and demolishedhouses without adequate notice or compensation, leaving many families homeless. On October 17, a group of protesters staged a rally at theentrance of the Lagos house of assembly, demanding compensation and an end tothe demolitions. The state government, however, insisted that due process wasfollowed, citing a three-phase amnesty programme between May and December 2024that allowed residents to regularise their properties.

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