Lagos Demolition Sparks Reallocation Uproar: New Structures Emerge on Cleared Power-Line Corridor

Lagos Demolition Sparks Reallocation Uproar: New Structures Emerge on Cleared Power-Line Corridor

The wave of demolitions sweeping through Lagos — dubbed “Hurricane Sanwo-Olu” by residents — has hit the Command, Aminkanle, and AIT corridors of Alagbado in Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA, leaving thousands displaced and entire communities in ruins. More than 3,000 structures, including homes, shops, religious centres, schools and workshops, were pulled down last week as bulldozers operated non-stop for over seven days.

The demolition, which began on November 6, is part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing enforcement to clear illegal buildings under high-tension power lines. Earlier in the year, the first phase was carried out from Command T-Junction to Atapa Market, but the exercise was temporarily halted — a pause that allegedly opened the door to misinformation and exploitation of anxious property owners by fraudsters promising to “lobby” government officials.

When Sunday Sun visited the area, many victims were seen retrieving scattered belongings from the rubble. While some residents claimed they had no prior notice, an official of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) insisted that occupants were given months to vacate. He said the earlier pause in demolition was specifically to allow residents relocate safely.

The Lagos State Government had, through a public statement earlier in the year, directed the removal of structures under power lines. The statement, signed by LASBCA spokesperson Adu Ademuyiwa, warned that property owners had until January 31, 2025 to comply.

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But residents told stories of confusion, deception, poverty and last-minute panic. Some blamed landlords for giving false assurances. Others said financial constraints kept them from securing new accommodation in time.

Mr. Olalekan Sogade, a tenant whose building was destroyed, said he moved into his home in April 2024 and was misled to believe the demolition had been suspended. Another resident, Chigozie, explained that despite knowing the risks of living under high-tension wires, he stayed because it was the only affordable option while he struggled financially and dealt with his wife’s illness.

The affected corridor features two parallel power lines. Residents claimed one line existed before the community developed, while the second was installed later. Though some reports suggest compensation was paid during construction of the second line, many occupants allegedly stayed put and were ultimately affected.

A fresh controversy, however, is heightening tension. Residents whose properties were demolished earlier in the year in the Atapa axis accuse government officials of reallocating their cleared land to new owners. A community leader alleged that new buildings are already springing up on land from which original occupants were evicted. “The government claims to be protecting lives, but the same land now has new structures. Who owns them?” he asked.

A Sunday Sun investigation confirmed that construction is ongoing in the previously demolished Command–Atapa corridor.

Reacting to the allegations, LASBCA dismissed claims that government reallocated any demolished land, warning that anyone involved in such illegal activity would face the law. Ademuyiwa emphasised that clearing structures under high-tension lines is strictly a public-safety measure, citing risks such as electrocution, fires, power surges and major infrastructure hazards.

He added that illegal buildings also undermine urban planning and environmental sustainability, reaffirming government’s commitment to creating a safer, more resilient Lagos.

Residents are urged to comply with building regulations and voluntarily remove structures within restricted zones to avoid further sanctions.

Lagos Demolition Sparks Reallocation Uproar: New Structures Emerge on Cleared Power-Line Corridor

The Sun