Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the protection of residents’ welfare amid the ongoing demolition of environmentally unsafe structures across the state. The governor emphasized that the exercise, particularly in areas like Oworonshoki, is part of broader efforts to safeguard lives, restore order, and prevent future disasters linked to unstable and illegal developments.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the government does not take pleasure in demolishing homes or displacing residents, explaining that each decision is preceded by a detailed environmental and structural assessment. According to him, many of the affected buildings were erected on drainage channels, road setbacks, or zones classified as high-risk. Leaving such structures intact, he stressed, would endanger both occupants and surrounding communities, especially during heavy rainfall and flooding.
He also highlighted the state’s determination to conduct the demolition exercise with compassion and due process. The governor reaffirmed that officials had engaged local leaders, community representatives, and property owners long before enforcement began, ensuring that residents were adequately informed about violations and potential risks.
To ease the hardship faced by displaced residents, Sanwo-Olu announced that additional compensation is being disbursed to those who have been verified as legitimate victims. He explained that the state government has set up a transparent claims and verification process to ensure that only rightful beneficiaries receive payment. This, he said, reflects his administration’s belief that while enforcement is necessary, the human impact must not be ignored.
The governor further encouraged residents across Lagos to comply with building regulations and to avoid purchasing or constructing properties in restricted areas. He assured the public that the demolition campaign is not targeted at any group but is instead a statewide safety measure designed to secure the future of the state.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his commitment to balancing development with compassion, stating that Lagos can only progress when regulations are upheld and citizens’ welfare remains a top priority
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