UNIPA News(Abuja)-GRV Slams Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Plan to Demolish 53 Ibeju-Lekki Communities
The Lagos State Opposition Leader and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has strongly condemned the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the proposed 150-meter setback linked to the Coastal Road project, which threatens to demolish 53 ancestral communities in Ibeju-Lekki.
Speaking on the growing tension in the area, Rhodes-Vivour described the move as “inhumane, insensitive, and historically destructive,” warning that it risks erasing centuries of heritage, culture, and economic livelihood.
The affected communities—including Mopo-Ijebu, Mushirikogo, Iwerekun, Solu-Orunmija, Solu-Alade, Enukunmi, Okun Igando, Oguntimehin, Debojo, Idado, Idi-Ori, Badore, Eleko, Iberekodo, Lotu, Museyo, Odunlami, Imagbon-Alade, Imagbon-Oga, Okun-Ilado, Orimedu, Epele-Meje, Orofun, Akodo, Tiye, Imobido, Ilege, Idasho, Lekuru, Imagbon-Segun, Okun-Idotun, Alasia, Okunraye, Itoke, Olomowewe, Origanrigan I & II, Oshoroko, Oju-Oto, Lekki, Igbekodo, Apakin, Oriyanrin, Ita-Marun, Otolu, Oke-Gelu, Lepia, Ikegun, Folu, Okun-Ise, Akodo-Ise, Okun-Imedu, and Aboreji—are said to be facing displacement under the proposed setback policy.
Rhodes-Vivour stated:
“Development must never become a weapon against the people. Progress that destroys heritage, displaces the elderly, and leaves thousands homeless is not development—it is displacement disguised as growth. Lagos can grow without wiping out its own indigenous communities.”
Community leaders have raised alarm over the psychological and economic toll of the looming demolitions. Hon. Adebayo Agbabiaka noted that residents are not opposed to infrastructure development but insist that it must be done with proper consultation, humane resettlement plans, and respect for ancestral land rights.
Chief Kunle Balogun (Chief Odofin of Mopo) further revealed confusion surrounding the policy, stating that an official from the Federal Controller of Works reportedly denied knowledge of the 150-meter ocean-side development claim, raising serious questions about coordination and transparency.
Chief Gbadebo Fatai, Bale of Eleko, appealed for urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging a balanced approach that safeguards both national infrastructure goals and the rights of indigenous communities.
Rhodes-Vivour called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to immediately suspend demolition plans, initiate a transparent stakeholder engagement process, and provide a legally binding framework for compensation and resettlement where necessary.
“Lagos must not become a state where development means dispossession. The government must choose dialogue over demolition and compassion over coercion.”
He emphasized that governance must prioritize people over projects and warned that history will judge harshly any administration that sacrifices its most vulnerable citizens at the altar of unchecked urban expansion.
The people of Ibeju-Lekki, he concluded, are not enemies of progress—they are stakeholders in it. Their plea is simple: ‘Develop with us, not against us.’
Report by Amb Chaplain Patricia Alumiyi UNIPA NEWS NIGERIA
