The residents gathered at the Assembly complex in Alausa to ask Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to step in and stop further demolition in the estate. They also asked the state government to respect an existing court order and allow a fair resolution of the dispute. The protest was led by Alhaji Abdulhameed Shuaib, who spoke on behalf of the affected homeowners.
During the protest, residents displayed placards calling for an end to forceful eviction and demanding fair compensation if demolition must take place. They insisted that any payment should reflect the real value of their homes.
Shuaib explained that the issue began in 2025 when residents were informed of plans to clear the estate and were offered compensation. He said the first offer of six million naira for a three-bedroom flat was rejected because it was far below market value. According to him, the houses were originally allocated by the government and properly documented under a former administration.
He added that later offers of seven million naira and then eleven million naira were also turned down. He said residents were asked to submit original property documents with a promise of payment months later, a condition that raised concerns. While residents were seeking legal advice, about 50 buildings in the estate were pulled down in March 2025.
Shuaib said residents later secured a court order stopping further demolition, but threats allegedly continued. He claimed warnings were issued that anyone who failed to accept the compensation offer before demolition would lose all benefits. He noted that the court has extended the order until February 4, 2026.
He further alleged that some tenants were recently offered fifty thousand naira to vacate their homes and that heavy machines were again seen entering the estate. He said two residents were arrested after presenting court papers to the demolition team and are currently being held at a police station in Oshodi. He also raised concern that key state officials listed in the case were absent from court proceedings.
Responding to the protesters, Setonji David, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry 2, urged the residents to remain calm. He assured them that the Assembly would look into the matter and take appropriate steps.
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