By Ebunoluwa Sessou, Elizabeth Osayande & Ifunanya Ndigwe
LAGOS — Weeks after the demolition of homes and businesses in the Makoko waterfront community, residents are still reeling from the devastation. Many say they have lost not only their property but also their livelihoods, education, and sense of security.
Their outcry prompted the Lagos State House of Assembly to intervene, ordering an immediate suspension of all ongoing demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities. The directive was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting between lawmakers and representatives of the affected communities held at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja.
Residents who spoke with Vanguard recounted harrowing experiences since the demolition, saying they now sleep in boats or open spaces, exposed to the elements. Some alleged that over a dozen lives were lost during the operation, while thousands remain displaced.
“We sleep in boats now,” says distraught mother
For Mrs. Juliana, a mother of ten, the demolition left her family destitute. Two of her sons are currently hospitalised.
“What will I live for again?” she cried. “The demolition left us with nothing. We couldn’t even save a pin. Since then, we’ve been sleeping in boats, under a billboard.”
Communities fear extinction
Prof. Senayo Olaoluwa, spokesman of the Eegu General Assembly, warned that the continued demolition of riverine settlements could wipe out entire indigenous communities.
“These demolitions make us feel that Eegu people and other riverine groups are being targeted for extinction,” he said.
“Our peaceful protest turned violent”
Resident Jude Ojo said an earlier peaceful protest against the demolitions was violently dispersed.
“We came in peace to seek redress, but we were met with tear gas. One protester was shot in the leg and had to be carried away for treatment,” he recounted.
Another victim, Ogunusi Adewale, said his house was demolished on November 27, 2025.
“I’ve been sleeping outside since then. My family is scattered. Over 3,000 homes and more than 10,000 people were affected. Schools, churches, and clinics are gone,” he lamented.
Assembly steps in
Leader of the House, Mr. Noheem Adams, who chaired the ad-hoc committee set up by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, announced that the Assembly had directed the state government to stop all demolitions in the affected areas immediately.
“On behalf of the Speaker and all 40 members of the House, we direct that all ministries stop work on all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities until further notice,” Adams declared.
He added that the committee would demand a full list of the taskforce members involved in the operation and ensure community representatives are included in subsequent engagements.
“Demolition will stop, and those whose houses were destroyed will be compensated,” he assured, prompting residents at the meeting to respond with a chorus of “We are satisfied.”
Government pledges redevelopment and compensation
The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Dr. Babatunde Olajide, had earlier stated that the government was committed to compensating affected residents.
He revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earmarked $2 million since 2021 for the redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront into a modern water city project that meets international standards.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Yaba LCDA, Mr. Bayo Adefuye, and Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, both emphasised the importance of communication between government and communities before such actions are taken.
“Even if you are not physically present, those you intend to help must understand your plans,” Ogundipe said.
Voices of relief and hope
The Baale of Makoko Shogunro, Chief Yusuf Sagra, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers.
“We are happy. They have given us a word of peace, and we are satisfied,” he said.
Another resident, Orioye Ogungbure, added:
“I am happy with this deliberation. If government continues to listen to the people whenever they have grievances, democracy will thrive.”
