Appeals Committee Postpones Hearing to October 14
Residents of Ifesowapo, Ifeoluwa and Toluwani communities in Ebute-Metta West, Lagos Mainland, have approached the Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee, seeking N1 billion in compensation over the demolition of their homes and alleged forced eviction.
The affected residents claim the demolition exercise, carried out in March 2024, resulted in the destruction of properties, displacement of families and severe hardship for community members. They alleged that officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), accompanied by security personnel, conducted the operation in breach of provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010.
The petition was presented during the commencement of proceedings before the appeals committee in Alausa, Ikeja, where the residents are seeking redress for alleged unlawful demolition, destruction of property and displacement.
The legal action is being supported by the Communities Alliance Against Displacement (CAD) and civil society organisation Spaces for Change (S4C).
Among the reliefs sought, the petitioners want the Lagos State Government directed to pay N1 billion in compensation to affected residents and ensure compliance with relevant planning laws in the remaining sections of the designated improvement areas.
Documents submitted to support the petition include sworn affidavits, community registration certificates, rent receipts reportedly issued by the Oloto Royal Family, reports relating to the designation of Otto and Otumara communities as improvement areas, and photographs showing the aftermath of the demolition.
The dispute is linked to an earlier urban regeneration initiative announced by the Lagos State Government. In May 2021, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development disclosed plans to regenerate the Otto and Otumara communities as part of efforts to create a modern urban settlement with improved infrastructure and environmental standards.
According to the residents, government officials had assured them that the initiative would focus on upgrading the communities rather than displacing occupants. They said the assurances created expectations that any redevelopment process would involve consultation and adherence to established legal procedures.
However, the residents alleged that in March 2024, officials accompanied by police personnel and heavy-duty equipment entered the communities and ordered occupants to vacate their homes. They further claimed that several buildings were demolished, while some structures were reportedly set ablaze during the exercise.
Speaking at the opening of the hearing, Legal Officer of Spaces for Change, Patrick Allam, argued that the regeneration programme should have been implemented within the framework of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law.
He maintained that the government’s 2021 declaration regarding the regeneration project required compliance with statutory procedures governing designated improvement areas. According to him, failure to observe those procedures deprived residents of protections provided under the law.
Allam also referenced provisions of the law requiring official publication of approved regeneration plans, arguing that such publication would have formally informed residents and provided an avenue for community participation in the process.
He stressed that meaningful engagement with affected communities is an essential component of urban renewal initiatives.
Community representatives also highlighted the social consequences of the demolition. Secretary of Ifesowapo Community, Awode David, said many displaced residents continue to face difficult living conditions, with some reportedly residing in temporary shelters.
He added that the displacement has affected children’s education and placed additional burdens on families. David further claimed that several residents had died since the demolition, describing the situation as a humanitarian concern.
According to him, the communities are seeking accountability and justice rather than preferential treatment.
During the proceedings, concerns were raised over the absence of some respondents named in the matter. The petitioners identified LASBCA, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Oloto Royal Family as key parties expected to participate in the hearing.
Allam disclosed that LASURA had informed the committee that it was not involved in the demolition exercise. However, he argued that the agency should appear before the panel to clarify its position directly.
Following preliminary proceedings, the 14-member appeals committee chaired by Olufunmilayo Osifuye adjourned the matter until October 14 due to the absence of several respondents.
The committee is expected to continue hearing the case on the adjourned date as the affected communities pursue compensation and other reliefs arising from the demolition and displacement.
