Residents of Oniru estate face hardship after estate gates sealed
Residents of Otassona Estate in the Oniru area of Lagos State have been unable to freely access their homes after the estate was sealed by a property management company. Several residents, including Mimi, Aderonke Adeniji, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, Enarime Mueller, Cornelia Lewis, and Kudirat Fashola, described severe disruptions to daily life, including difficulties with emergency access, movement, and basic needs. The estate's gates were locked following an alleged court order, and residents were asked to pay large sums to remain in their homes. The ongoing blockade has left families, children, and the elderly struggling to cope.
What happened
- Residents said more than 25 armed men, accompanied by court bailiffs, stormed the estate on Monday, June 22, sealed the gates, and pasted notices on houses claiming possession had been granted by a court.
- The blockade has prevented residents from using their vehicles, receiving emergency services, and accessing water tankers or fire trucks.
- Aderonke Adeniji reported that residents were asked to pay about N4.5m to remain in the estate, but negotiations failed and a wall was erected and later demolished by Lagos State authorities.
- Ireti Bakare-Yusuf stated that the residents were not parties to the original court case, which was against Otassona Gardens Limited, the development company.
- Residents described the situation as traumatic, with some forced to walk through water and others, including the elderly and those with health issues, facing significant hardship.
