...seeks Presidential Intervention
Residents of the Isoko Community in Ikota, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State have accused officials of the Lagos State Government of unlawfully demolishing their homes and businesses, an action they describe as excessive, unlawful, and carried out in a “commando-style operation.”
The community insists that it is the customary owner of the land in question and that its presence in the area is lawful and longstanding. According to the residents, they have lived peacefully in Ikota for nearly six decades under a valid 50-year lease agreement with the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family.
The demolition reportedly affected fourteen landlords and led to the displacement of several families. Tragically, one resident, identified as Gift Ologbo, reportedly died shortly after losing his home and means of livelihood during the exercise.
The community alleges that the demolition was carried out without prior notice or the exhaustion of legal processes. They further claim that all relevant land documents had earlier been submitted to appropriate government authorities, making any justification for the demolition unjustifiable.
Speaking through their lawyer, Barrister Benson Williams of Rotimi Williams Chambers, the affected residents narrated that on July 3, 2025, officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), accompanied by armed thugs, arrived at the community in buses and forcefully chased residents out of their homes.
Barrister Williams alleged that structures were demolished almost immediately upon arrival, leaving several residents injured and resulting in the sudden death of one of the affected landlords. He described the operation as unlawful, violent, and lacking due process.
Attempts by Aiyekooto Reporters to reach the traditional ruler of the area, Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, were unsuccessful. However, sources close to the palace disclosed that the monarch is displeased with the manner in which residents were displaced without recourse to legally binding agreements between the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family and the occupants.
The sources further revealed that the monarch has chosen to remain silent on the matter, as the affected residents have resolved to seek redress in court.
In a fact-finding effort, Aiyekooto Reporters gathered that the then Chairman of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Chief Gbolahan Oki, claimed ignorance of the incident and referred inquiries to another government office.
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Mr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, also stated that he was unaware of the demolition and said he was officially engaged and unable to visit the affected site months after the incident.
Community leaders interpret these responses as evidence that government officials were aware of the demolition but are unwilling to take responsibility.
They describe the exercise as an abuse of power and office, carried out without regard for existing legal agreements.
The displaced residents argue that individuals who have lived in the community for over two decades under a subsisting 50-year lease cannot be arbitrarily evicted without due process. They insist that the action amounts to land grabbing and a violation of the rule of law.
The Isoko Community has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by ordering an independent investigation into the demolition and alleged excesses of state officials.
Meanwhile, Barrister Benson Williams confirmed that the affected landlords are weighing their options, including pursuing compensation or instituting legal action against the Lagos State Government.
As events continue to unfold, the community maintains that justice must prevail and that lawful residents should not be treated with impunity. Only time will determine whether the matter is resolved amicably or fully tested in court.
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