Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, have exchanged words over the legality and humanitarian impact of the recent demolition exercise in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos.
The dispute has drawn national attention to issues of urban renewal, citizens’ rights and the treatment of vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
What Triggered the Makoko Demolitions
The Lagos State Government said the demolition was carried out to protect lives, citing the dangers posed by illegal structures built beneath high-tension power lines.
Officials maintained that the operation formed part of safety and urban planning measures aimed at preventing potential disasters in the area.
Ezekwesili’s Criticism of Government Action
Ezekwesili faulted both the Federal and Lagos State governments, describing the demolitions as unconstitutional and inhumane.
In a memorandum addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu, she accused authorities of abusing state power to dispossess some of Nigeria’s poorest citizens under the guise of safety concerns.
She questioned whether Lagos operates as a community of equal citizens or a space where economic value outweighs human dignity.
Claims of Broken Agreements With Residents
According to Ezekwesili, Makoko residents were initially informed that only buildings within a 30 to 50-metre safety buffer around power lines would be affected.
She said community leaders cooperated based on that understanding, only for the demolition to later extend hundreds of metres beyond the agreed limits.
Homes, schools, clinics and sources of livelihood were reportedly destroyed, despite posing no immediate safety threat.
Humanitarian and Social Concerns Raised
Ezekwesili warned that the demolitions had triggered a humanitarian emergency, displacing thousands of families and disrupting children’s education.
She argued that residents, many of whom depend on fishing and informal trading, are not illegal settlers but Nigerian citizens whose rights have been repeatedly undermined due to their socioeconomic status.
She described the exercise as a form of “class cleansing” of poor communities from valuable waterfront locations.
Sanwo-Olu’s Response and NGO Allegations
Governor Sanwo-Olu rejected the accusations, instead alleging that some local and international non-governmental organisations were exploiting the situation for financial gain.
He said the state government was monitoring the activities of such NGOs and would present evidence to support its claims.
According to the governor, some organisations had received significant funding from international donors but failed to deliver tangible assistance to affected residents.
Government’s Justification for the Exercise
Sanwo-Olu maintained that the demolition was necessary and justified, insisting that it was carried out primarily to safeguard lives.
He stressed that the state government would continue to take decisions it believes are in the best interest of public safety, despite public criticism.
The Broader Implication for Lagos Governance
The Makoko dispute has reignited debates around urban renewal, citizens’ rights and inclusive governance in Lagos.
As Nigeria’s cities continue to expand, the clash highlights the growing tension between development policies and the protection of vulnerable communities.
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