Residents Decry Hardship As Lagos Road Expansion Triggers Demolitions

Residents of Langbasa and Harmony Estate in Eti-Osa Local Council Area of Lagos have lamented the demolition of homes, shops and kiosks following an ongoing road expansion project by the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The project, which covers Oba Elejigbo Street, Mallam Eshinlokun Street and parts of Kingsley Osuh Avenue, is aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting economic activities in the area. It is being executed by Visible Construction Limited and is expected to last about 15 weeks, although officials noted that the broader project could extend beyond six months.

The demolition exercise has generated mixed reactions among residents. While some welcomed the development, describing it as long overdue, others said the exercise had left many families displaced and traders counting heavy losses.

Some residents expressed optimism that the road project would improve transportation, security and business activities in the community.

“This is a welcome development. Good roads will improve business and even bring solar street lights,” a resident said.

However, affected residents in the Osho area and adjoining streets, including Abel Abayomi Street, accused authorities of carrying out the demolition without adequate notice or compensation plans.
“Heavy machines moved in and started pulling down buildings. We were not given enough time to prepare,” a resident alleged.

A trader, Mallam Mohammed Sheriff, appealed to the Lagos State Government to assist displaced families.
“We are pleading with the government to come to our aid. People are sleeping outside,” he said.

Mr Joshua Ogunmeye, whose family property was partially demolished, questioned the level of communication from government officials.

“A large part of our compound was taken. There was no clear compensation plan or proper notice,” he said.

Residents also claimed that some sensitive areas, including gravesites, were affected during the demolition exercise. A relative of the late Baale of the community said the family had to exhume and rebury their loved one to pave way for the project.

“We accepted it as part of development, but it was painful. The road will pass through that area,” he said.
Another resident, identified simply as Madam Londoner, lamented the destruction of part of her unfinished building.

“I spent so much building this house to roofing level, but now half of it is gone,” she said.
Residents further alleged that electricity supply in parts of the community was disrupted after power infrastructure was damaged during the demolition.

Government officials, however, defended the exercise, insisting that consultations were held with stakeholders, including the traditional ruler of Langbasa, community leaders and residents before the project commenced.

According to an official, residents agreed during a stakeholders’ meeting that the project should proceed despite the expected demolitions.

The official added that the project was a major intervention by the state government aimed at improving infrastructure, environmental standards and security in the area.

“This is a capital-intensive project aimed at improving infrastructure and security. It is not targeted at residents but at development,” the official said.

Despite the assurances, affected residents continued to call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene by providing compensation, support and clearer resettlement arrangements for displaced families.