Traders and Squatters Ignore Lagos State’s Eviction Order at Oja Oba Underbridge
Despite a 24-hour eviction notice issued by the Lagos State Government, traders, squatters, and livestock rearers remain under the Oja Oba Underbridge at Adeniji Adele, continuing their activities in defiance of the directive.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had on Wednesday mandated all unauthorized occupants to vacate the premises. His directive followed growing concerns about environmental degradation and public safety due to the discovery of livestock being reared in the area.
“The misuse of public infrastructure poses severe environmental and safety risks,” Wahab stated, emphasizing that non-compliance would lead to the forceful removal of all makeshift structures and illegal settlements.
Government’s Effort to Reclaim Public Spaces
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to reclaim public spaces across the state, with the clearance of the Oja Oba Underbridge forming part of a broader urban sanitation strategy. Officials argue that such measures are necessary to maintain a clean and habitable environment for residents.
Resistance from Traders and Occupants
Despite the government’s directive, our investigation reveals that many illegal occupants have disregarded the eviction order. Commercial activities persist under unsanitary conditions, with individuals still cooking, eating, and living beneath the bridge. The area remains cluttered with plastic waste, wooden scraps, and other debris, posing health risks to both the occupants and passersby.
Repeated Evictions, Same Outcome
Further observations indicate that several of the current squatters were among those displaced in a similar eviction exercise at Adeniji Adele in 2024. Many of them have since returned, highlighting the challenge of enforcing sustainable resettlement solutions for displaced individuals.
Conclusion
The standoff at Oja Oba Underbridge raises critical questions about urban management, enforcement policies, and the need for alternative solutions for displaced persons. As the government intensifies its drive to reclaim public spaces, a sustainable approach to relocation and rehabilitation remains essential.
Read about Lagos’ urban renewal strategies
Lagos State Government Official Website
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