Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the welfare of residents affected by the ongoing demolition of environmentally unsafe buildings across the State.
He assured that all displaced persons would be resettled and adequately compensated.
The assurance was delivered on behalf of the governor by the General Manager of Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun, during the second phase of compensation to affected residents of the Oworonshoki community.
According to Animashaun, the government remains committed to its promise of ensuring that no resident is denied the right to own property in Lagos, even as it continues removing structures that pose environmental threats.
“The very first time we compensated people, 79 affected persons collected their cheques. Today, another 100 people are receiving theirs. Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu promised that those affected would be compensated. That is promise made, promise fulfilled,” he said.
He stated that the second batch would not be the end of the compensation distribution, as many more would be compensated over several batches.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government.
One of the beneficiaries, Nwaoha Rosemary, who received one million naira, described the support as a welcome relief.
Another beneficiary, Patrick Arinze, who got three million naira, said: “They have done the right thing at the right time. People complained, but what the government has done supersedes our concerns. If we had not received anything, what would we have done?”
The beneficiaries received compensation ranging from N1 million to N5 million, depending on the nature and value of their demolished properties.
Weeks ago, the government denied allegations that it willfully disobeyed a subsisting court order by continuing the demolition of houses in Oworonshoki.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the claims as “false and unfair,” insisting that no court order was served on any state agency prior to the latest phase of the demolition.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Pedro said: “As of today, I am aware of the court order they are referring to.
However, before the demolition exercise they are complaining about, that order was not served on any government agency. I believe it was endorsed on Friday, October 24, the same day the demolition took place. Even if the order was obtained that day, could it have been served on a Saturday? As at that time, no government office was aware of any such order.”
He stressed that government agencies cannot act on “verbal notice” of a court decision, adding that until a formal service of process is made, no allegation of contempt can stand.
Pedro criticised what he called the misuse of court processes to obstruct public interest, alleging that some litigants were using the judiciary “as an instrument of oppression” even when the government had shown restraint.
He explained that the demolition in Oworonshoki began almost a month earlier but was temporarily suspended on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to allow residents time to relocate.
- Media Report