More than 500 residents of Oke-Egan Community in Eleko Area of Ajah, Lagos, gathered at the State House of Assembly complex on Wednesday, demanding compensation for the demolition of their houses. The residents, carrying banners and placards, blocked the main gate of the Lagos House, expressing their grievances. Some of the messages on the banners included, “We have been demoralised, nowhere to go,” and “We want our properties back.”
Dr Taiwo Alalade, speaking on behalf of the protesters, shared her family's plight, stating that they have been forced to sleep outdoors since their house was demolished. She lamented the lack of prior notice before the demolition and urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene. Another resident, Pastor Abiodun Ajayi, described the pain of watching his house being demolished, stating that they were not given the opportunity to salvage any belongings.
In response to the protesters, the Majority Leader, Hon Noheem Adams, assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to the Speaker of the house, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, and that appropriate action would be taken to address their concerns. The residents emphasized that they had followed due process in seeking redress, including writing letters and obtaining support from local authorities.
