Lagos residents seek compensation for demolished properties

The residents of Agric-Isawo-Owutu road in Ikorodu, Lagos State, are lamenting over failed promises to compensate them for their buildings that were demolished for road reconstruction.

Speaking with The Guardian, a septuagenarian, Oladimeji Olawuyi, complained that nothing has been heard from the authorities six over six years ago.

He also complained that even when the compensation may be paid to the affected building owners, inflation has tripled and the value of the compensation.He said that “for example, a bag of cement at that time was N1,600 but in 2024 the price range is around N10,000.

Also, a carton of tiles which was around NN800 then is now over N10, 000.”The chairman of the community association, known as Alhaji Owolabi, said some owners of the affected properties are late but there are many are still expectant of the compensation from the government.

He said, “There are many of the affected peoples who are yet to get their compensation who are not here alive today since the government embarked on the road project.“

Now, there are some of us that the governments have paid but there are many people who are yet to be paid. I am one of those people. I hope the Lagos state government would hasten up things and pay us.”Another resident, Ojo Samuel, disclosed that while some property owners have been compensated, more people are expecting the government to fulfill its promise.

“We are begging governor Sanwo-Olu to hasten the payment so that we would have something for our sweat,” he said.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, said that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration was working to ensure that all affected property owners are compensated.

“One thing that is certain is that this administration not going to leave out those who deserve to be paid,” he said.“Before it would be commissioned, the Lagos state governemt would ensure that everyone affected are properly compensated.”