Lagos communities fear new demolitions over coastal road project
Some communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, are worried about a reported new plan by the Federal Government to enforce a 150-metre setback for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Community leaders say this could destroy ancestral settlements and displace more residents who have already lost homes and heritage sites. They have called on authorities to clarify the project’s alignment and consider waivers for existing settlements. Bola Tinubu was praised for the project, but residents remain anxious about further demolitions and inadequate compensation.
What happened
- Community leaders allege that repeated realignments of the highway have led to the demolition of houses, shrines, and ancestral landmarks.
- Chief Adebayo Agbabiaka said previous demolitions displaced entire villages, and compensation paid was insufficient for relocation.
- Residents claim that new markings by the Surveyor-General’s office signal more demolitions, with a 150-metre setback on both sides of the road.
- The Chief Odofin of Opo-Ijebu Kingdom, Kunle Balogun, and other leaders urge the government to grant waivers and avoid erasing their communities.
- A Federal Ministry of Works source stated the markings are to inform residents that the buildings are on Federal Government land, not necessarily for immediate demolition.
