Protesters at the Lagos Assembly gate yesterday. PHOTO: ENIOLA DANIEL
Residents of Mile 12 in Ikoyi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, returned to the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa, yesterday after their earlier visit failed to halt the demolition of homes in the area despite assurances from lawmakers.
The demolition began on December 15, 2025, less than two years after more than 700 shops were pulled down in the community. The ongoing exercise, affecting Martins Street and parts of Maidan, has allegedly resulted in deaths, while about 300 houses have so far been demolished.
Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) commenced the exercise on December 15, 2025. Residents protested at the Assembly on December 17, 2025, and were reportedly promised intervention. However, on February 14, 2026, the agency deployed bulldozers for another phase of demolition.
Residents alleged that the chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, supervised the demolition and intends to continue the exercise.
Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Chairman of Mile 12 Central Community Development Association, Ogundele Joshua, said the Chairman of the House Committee on Land and Planning, Sylvester Oguntelu, who represents Epe Constituency 2, had assured them that no further demolition would take place.
“They returned to demolish after the promise was made. We learnt they were ordered to resume the exercise. We have Certificates of Occupancy and building permits. Two commissioners who served under Lateef Jakande, including Funsho William, built in this community,” he said.
“No reason was given for the demolition. They avoided the slums and shanties and chose to demolish our homes, where there is no threat. We appeal to the governor, the Speaker and other authorities to come to our aid,” he added.
A resident, Fagbemi Aanuoluwapo, alleged that officials arrived without prior notice.
“They came with equipment while people were sleeping. No notification was given, and residents were given about an hour to leave their homes. Many have died since the demolition began, while others have been rendered homeless. We approached the urban and regional planning authorities, but they said they were unaware. The Assembly promised to address the matter, but we have not heard from them, and the demolition is ongoing. The council chairperson, Princess Samiat Bada, came to our area and identified houses to be demolished,” he said.
Youth Chairman of Mile 12 Connect, Arewa Committee, Samsudeen Dauda, said: “My two houses were demolished, and my family is now sleeping under a bridge. One of my daughters, who is asthmatic, has been relocated because of the situation. I have no resting place.”
When contacted, the council chairman denied involvement.
“A local government does not have the power to demolish any building. Only the state has that authority and determines where demolition should take place. The government is carrying out demolitions across the state, not the council. I know nothing about it,” she said.
