Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised the demolition of buildings in the Oworonshoki area of the state, saying the exercise is poorly planned and insensitive to the plight of affected residents.
During an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour said the Lagos State Government must demonstrate adherence to the rule of law in its urban renewal efforts. He argued that demolitions carried out without due process erode public trust and discourage investment.
He faulted the compensation process, describing it as selective and inadequate, and maintained that the majority of displaced residents have yet to receive any form of support.
Rhodes-Vivour also accused the government of implementing policies that favour wealthy citizens while neglecting the needs of poorer communities who make up most of the state’s population.
He stressed that proper relocation plans, community engagement and compensation should be established before any demolition exercise begins. According to him, such measures should originate from the local government level to ensure full involvement of affected residents.
The Labour Party candidate urged the government to adopt a transparent and humane approach to development, insisting that progress should not result in the loss of people’s homes and livelihoods.
The Lagos State Government commenced demolitions in the Coker and Ojulari areas of Oworonshoki in September, citing illegal construction on drainage channels and right-of-way encroachment. The operation, carried out by the state’s urban development agencies in collaboration with the Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, reportedly began at night and left many residents displaced without prior notice.
The exercise has sparked multiple protests from aggrieved residents, including a roadblock on the Third Mainland Bridge and a demonstration at the Lagos State House of Assembly on October 17. Protesters demanded adequate compensation and an end to forced evictions.
The government has continued to defend the demolitions, insisting that construction must comply with state laws and approved building permits.