An ad-hoc committee of the Lagos State House of Assembly set up by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has concluded its investigation into the demolition of structures in Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon communities, with affected residents presenting varying demands over compensation and relocation.
At the committee’s final meeting on Thursday, March 5, representatives of the three communities expressed different positions on how residents affected by the demolition should be addressed.
The Alase of the Egun Community in Makoko, Francis Agoyon, said displaced residents should be permanently relocated rather than compensated financially.
Similarly, the Baale of Makoko said residents prefer relocation to another location instead of monetary compensation.
He, however, urged the government to clearly indicate where displaced residents would be relocated and define the exact boundary of the demolition affecting Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon.
In contrast, representatives of Sogunro community demanded financial compensation, proposing that each affected resident should receive about ₦10 million. They noted that an average bamboo house in the area costs about ₦4 million.
Vice Chairman of the Fishermen Association, Tobi, said the situation had heightened tension among residents, adding that many were uncertain about the outcome of the process.
“The people are jittery about the situation. Whatever the traditional rulers say will be the final decision,” he said.
Responding, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Noheem Adams, expressed concern over the shifting positions of the community representatives.
He recalled that the communities had initially agreed on compensation before changing their stance, describing the development as a setback to the reconciliation process.
Adams said the committee would submit its findings and the positions of the communities to the Speaker and the 40-member Assembly for further deliberation.
During the meeting, officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA) informed the committee that some of the demolished structures had been rebuilt and requested approval from the Assembly to remove the new constructions.
Leaders of the three communities agreed that the government should proceed with demolishing any structures re-erected on the affected sites.
Earlier, the Assembly had directed the communities to set up 10-member committees comprising women, youths, students and traditional leaders to support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute and addressing the needs of displaced residents. The communities have also submitted their reports to the Assembly Secretariat.