Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of illegal structures in flooded Lagos communities

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal shops and market stalls in some flooded areas in the state.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Sunday when he visited Jankara, Ojo Giwa, Oroyiyin, Idumagbo and Pelewura market — all on Lagos Island– which were flooded after heavy rainfall.

He issued a one-week quit notice to some affected property owners, assuring that residents would largely benefit from the government’s plan to regenerate the entire area.

Sanwo-Olu identified abuse of drainages, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and outright disregard for the environment as reasons for instructing the demolition of the shops and stalls mounted by residents.

“As part of our administration’s plan for the regeneration of Lagos Island, I went on an on-site inspection of some areas in that axis that were affected by floods,” he wrote on his X page.

“What was sadly visible during this inspection was the outright disregard for their well-being, the environment and their surroundings through the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, abuse of drainages and illegal construction of shops and market stalls by some residents.

“I have therefore issued a one-week quit notice to the affected people. I promised residents of the government’s plan to regenerate the entire place for the good of the residents and the general populace.

“The ministry of environment has been instructed to serve the requisite notices and begin demolition of illegal structures immediately.”