The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has condemned the ongoing demolitions in the Oworonshoki area, describing the exercise as poorly planned and lacking empathy for residents displaced by the operation.
Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour accused the Lagos State Government of violating the rule of law and carrying out midnight demolitions without proper notice or compensation.
“There is absolute lawlessness because there’s a judgment,” he said. “If the state wants citizens to respect the rule of law, it must lead by example and show that it also subjects itself to the law.”
The former governorship candidate criticised what he called the government’s “charade of payments,” claiming that only a few individuals were compensated while the majority of residents were left without support.
“You see a process that is not properly planned, without empathy. Lagos’ approach appears intentional in housing the rich while neglecting 75% of its poor residents,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour argued that genuine development requires transparency, planning, and community engagement at the grassroots level, stressing that relocation and compensation should be clearly defined before any demolition begins.
“Proper planning should start at the local government level, where community interactions take place. There should be clear proposals on where displaced residents will be relocated to, with payments made before demolitions start,” he added.
He urged the state government to adopt a more humane and transparent approach to urban renewal, warning that arbitrary demolitions discourage investment and deepen public distrust.
The Lagos State Government began the Oworonshoki demolition exercise in September, targeting illegal constructions along drainage channels and right-of-way violations in the Coker and Ojulari areas. The operation, carried out by the Lagos State Urban Development Department and the Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, reportedly began late at night, leaving many residents displaced.
The demolitions have sparked widespread criticism and protests. In September, angry residents blocked the Third Mainland Bridge, while another group rallied at the Lagos State House of Assembly on October 17, demanding compensation and an end to the demolitions.
The government has defended its actions, insisting that property owners must obtain valid building permits and adhere to urban development regulations before erecting structures.