Maroko Evictees Appeal to President Tinubu Over Lagos State’s Demolition of Lekki Coastal Road Shanties

Residents of Jakande Ilasan Housing Estate, located along the Lagos-Epe Express Road in Lekki, have called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of their buildings by the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The affected residents, who were previously displaced from the Maroko area in the 90s, have now settled in Ilasan.

They have appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to release those arrested during the demolition operation and provide adequate medical care to those injured by gunshot wounds.

The demolition, which commenced on Sunday, was carried out by officials from the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, assisted by the men of the Task Force.

The operation aimed to clear the way for a proposed coastal road and address the area as a hideout for criminals.

The spokesman for the affected group, Andrew Oretan, has called for a peaceful protest and expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue with the government to resolve the issue.

He highlighted that the residents have been traumatized by the actions of the state government and emphasized the need for a more civil approach to the situation.

Prince Seyi Orioye, the President of the Landlord Association in the estate, lamented the displacement of over 10,000 residents due to the demolition.

He maintained that the residents are law-abiding citizens who were relocated from Maroko 34 years ago without any development from the government in the estate.

Mr. Benson Oketola, one of the elders in the estate, recalled the eviction from Maroko in 1990, during the administration of Military Administrator, Raji Rasaki, and the lack of compensation to anyone affected.

He also stated that the residents still possess documentation of their land purchases from the chieftancy family in Maroko.

While the Lagos State Government has cited the need for the coastal road, the concerns of the affected residents have not been adequately addressed.

The residents hope that President Tinubu will take their pleas into consideration and work towards a fair resolution to the issue.