Demolition: Rhodes-Vivour Says Nearly 80% of Lagos Residents Live Below the Poverty Line

A prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has stated that close to 80 percent of Lagos residents are living in poverty, attributing the situation to what he described as development policies that exclude the majority of the population.

Rhodes-Vivour made this claim during a live interview on ARISE News Channel, where he reacted to the recent demolition of residential buildings at Jakande Estate, Ilasan, carried out by the Lagos State Government. He strongly criticised the exercise, describing it as illegal, harsh on the poor, and symbolic of a development approach that fails to consider the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

The former Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Lagos election explained that his conclusions were based on personal observations at the demolition site. According to him, operatives of a state-backed task force allegedly used force and ignored lawful procedures while executing the demolition.

He recounted witnessing acts of brutality during the operation, claiming that residents were physically assaulted in his presence. Rhodes-Vivour alleged that a man was beaten into a coma and that he himself was threatened by task force officials while they continued to assault people around him.

He further accused the authorities of detaining an engineer identified as Umaru for three days, during which he was allegedly abused. He also claimed that tear gas was fired at him while he was at the scene.

Describing the incident as a reflection of governance without accountability, Rhodes-Vivour argued that a government that disregards court orders and legal restraints poses a serious threat to citizens’ rights. He maintained that the demolition exercise showed a troubling lack of respect for due process and the rule of law.

Although the Lagos State Government has promised compensation for those affected, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the proposed ₦11.2 million compensation as grossly insufficient. He argued that such an amount is unrealistic given current property prices in the area, stating that it cannot secure even a modest two- or three-bedroom apartment within Jakande Estate or its surroundings.

He also accused the government of misusing the Land Use Act, particularly Section 28, which permits land acquisition for overriding public interest. According to him, the law is being applied to dispossess long-standing residents in favour of private developers rather than for genuine public benefit.

Rhodes-Vivour warned that the demolition would worsen homelessness in Lagos, especially among young people, and further deepen the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. He stressed that development efforts in the state consistently marginalise low-income earners.

He noted that many of the displaced residents had lived in Jakande Estate for over twenty years and possessed legitimate ownership documents. He questioned the fairness of destroying their homes, subjecting them to violence, and offering compensation that does not reflect current economic realities.

While clarifying that he supports urban development, Rhodes-Vivour insisted that growth must be fair, humane, and inclusive. He emphasised that development should not come at the expense of the poor or result in increased inequality.

Highlighting the income disparity in Lagos, he pointed out that to comfortably afford rent valued at ₦11.2 million, an individual would need to earn close to ₦2 million monthly—a figure far beyond the reach of most residents.

He concluded by warning that development without justice, equity, and inclusion would continue to alienate the majority of Lagosians and worsen social inequality across the state.