By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu restated that his administration remains committed to fairness, transparency, and the welfare of residents who are affected by the ongoing demolition of environmentally hazardous buildings across the state. This was done on Friday, and he assured all affected people of resettlement and proper compensation.
Oladimeji Animashaun, General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) delivered this information on behalf of the Governor, during the second phase of compensation for Oworonshoki community residents.
Oladimeji Animashaun said that the government’s pledge to uphold every resident’s right to own property in Lagos while continuing to remove unsafe buildings. He said, “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 also said that this batch is not the final one, as many more will receive compensation in subsequent batches.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude. Nwaoha Rosemary, who received ₦1 million, called it a welcome relief, while Patrick Arinze, who got ₦3 million, 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?” Payments ranged from ₦1 million to ₦5 million, based on property type and value.
Weeks earlier, the Lagos State Government denied allegations of willfully disobeying a court order, with Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) calling the claims “false and unfair” and stressing that no court order had been served on any agency before the demolition.
