Residents of Jakande Estate in Ilesan, Lagos, staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday at the Lagos State House of Assembly over ongoing plans to demolish their homes.
Alhaji Abdulhameed Shuaib, leading the demonstration, appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to halt further demolition, comply with court orders, and ensure a transparent resolution that protects residents’ rights.
The demonstrators carried placards reading “Please stop forceful eviction” and “Demolition without adequate compensation is injustice,” demanding fair payment if evictions occur.
Shuaib said the dispute began in 2025 when residents were informed of evictions and offered six million naira per three-bedroom apartment—a sum deemed far below the market value of similar government-built properties, which were selling for around fifteen million naira. Subsequent offers of seven million and eleven million naira were also rejected, particularly amid demands for submission of original property documents with deferred payment.
He claimed that around 50 buildings were demolished in March 2025, despite residents securing a court injunction against further action, now extended to February 4, 2026. Residents alleged that recent offers as low as ₦50,000 have been made and heavy machinery has returned to the estate.
Two residents were reportedly detained after presenting court papers to demolition teams and remain in police custody in Oshodi.
Mr Setonji David, representing Badagry 2 constituency, urged residents to remain calm while the Assembly looks into the matter, assuring them that the concerns will be properly investigated.
