Anxiety Rises in Makoko, Sogunro, and Oko-Agbon as Lagos Assembly Panel Concludes Demolition Probe

Residents of Makoko, Sogunro, and Oko-Agbon communities in Lagos State are experiencing heightened anxiety following the conclusion of an investigative assignment by an ad-hoc committee of the Lagos State House of Assembly, tasked with probing the recent demolition of structures in these areas.

The committee, constituted under the leadership of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, wrapped up its hearings on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after carefully considering submissions from representatives of the three affected communities. The discussions revealed divergent opinions on whether displaced residents should receive financial compensation or be relocated permanently.

Traditional Leaders Advocate Relocation

During the session, Francis Agoyon, the Alase of the Egun Community in Makoko, strongly recommended permanent relocation for residents impacted by the demolitions instead of providing monetary compensation.

Supporting this view, the Baale of Makoko noted that the majority of residents would prefer relocation over financial settlements. He emphasized that the government must specify the proposed relocation sites and clearly define the boundaries of the demolition exercise covering Makoko, Sogunro, and Oko-Agbon to avoid future disputes.

Divergent Views from Sogunro Community

Contrastingly, representatives from Sogunro advocated for financial compensation, proposing that each displaced resident should receive approximately ₦10 million. They argued that this sum would adequately cover the cost of reconstructing an average bamboo house, which is estimated at around ₦4 million.

Tobi, Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Association, expressed concern over the escalating tension among residents, noting widespread uncertainty about the final decisions. He explained that the people’s anxiety is fueled by the lack of clarity on the next steps, with ultimate decisions resting in the hands of traditional leaders.

Lagos Assembly’s Response

Reacting to the submissions, Hon. Noheem Adams, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, highlighted his concern regarding the inconsistent positions of the communities. He recalled that representatives initially agreed on compensation but later shifted toward relocation, a change he described as a setback to the Assembly’s efforts to achieve a prompt resolution.

Adams confirmed that the committee would compile a comprehensive report, detailing all positions from the communities, and submit it to the Speaker and the full 40-member Assembly for further deliberation.

Reconstructed Structures and LABCA Approval

Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA) informed the committee that several structures previously demolished had been rebuilt. LABCA requested the Assembly’s approval to remove these newly erected buildings. Community leaders unanimously agreed that any rebuilt structures within the designated demolition zones should be cleared by the government.

Community Committees and Report Submissions

Earlier in the process, the Assembly directed the three communities to form 10-member committees, consisting of women, youth, students, and traditional leaders, to address residents’ concerns and help facilitate a smooth resolution. These committees have since submitted their reports to the Assembly Secretariat, outlining community perspectives on compensation, relocation, and rebuilding.

The outcome of these submissions is expected to guide the Assembly’s next steps in finalizing decisions and ensuring clarity for affected residents, as the state continues to balance urban planning initiatives with the welfare of local communities.