Rights Groups Slam Lagos Govt Over Demolitions, Evictions in Makoko, Others
A coalition of human rights and social justice organisations has strongly condemned the Lagos State Government over what it described as systematic demolitions and forced evictions in Makoko and several other communities across the state. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
In a joint statement titled “Systemic, Illegal, Cruel and Deceitful Forced Evictions: A Demand for Justice, Accountability and Resettlement for Makoko and Other Affected Communities,” the groups accused the government of engaging in a deliberate pattern of state-enabled violence against the urban poor.
According to the coalition, the demolitions are allegedly aimed at clearing land for elite interests and private mega-development projects, often carried out with little or no notice, consultation, compensation, or resettlement plan.
“These actions against thousands of peaceful, hardworking residents represent a deliberate pattern of state-enabled violence against the urban poor, carried out to clear valuable land for elite interests and private mega-developments,” the statement read.
The rights groups said the demolitions disproportionately affect fishermen, traders, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
They warned that the destruction of homes without viable alternatives has plunged thousands into humanitarian distress, exposing families to hunger, disease, illiteracy, violence, and death.
The coalition documented several past demolitions across Lagos, including:
Otodo Gbame (2016–2017)
Oworonshoki (2023)
Orisunmibare and Otto (2024)
Oko Baba (2024)
They also cited recent demolitions in Ilaje-Otumara and Baba Ijora in March 2025, which reportedly left over 10,000 people homeless.
In Oworonshoki, the groups alleged that hundreds of homes were demolished overnight in October 2025, despite an interim court injunction secured by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).
They further claimed that tear gas was deployed, while several residents were beaten, arrested, and detained at Kirikiri and Ikoyi correctional facilities.
Makoko, a historic waterfront settlement estimated to house over 100,000 residents, was highlighted as one of the worst-hit communities.
According to the statement, demolitions that began on 23 December 2025 allegedly displaced more than 10,000 residents.
The groups claimed that armed security personnel and demolition teams set homes ablaze while residents were still inside, adding that tear gas injured many.
They further alleged that at least 12 people, including two infants, were reported dead, while schools, clinics, and places of worship were destroyed.
The coalition accused the Lagos State Government of defying court orders, noting that in August 2025, Justice F.N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, restrained the government from carrying out further demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro, and Iwaya.
The court reportedly awarded ₦3 million in damages for previous unlawful demolitions, a judgment the groups said has been ignored.
Criticism of Sanwo-Olu’s Palliatives
The statement criticised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for offering palliatives to affected residents, describing the gesture as “heartless.”
“The residents of Makoko and other affected communities are not beggars. They do not need handouts. They need their homes, schools, clinics, and livelihoods back,” the coalition stated.
The rights groups called on the Lagos State Government to:
Halt all forced evictions immediately
Provide emergency shelter for displaced residents
Compensate victims for destroyed properties
Develop transparent resettlement plans
Issue a public apology to affected communities
The statement was signed by community leaders and activists, including Israel Idowu of Makoko, Betty Abah of CEEHOPE, Comrade Alex Omotehinse of CHSR, and other social justice advocates.