By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LEKKI, LAGOS — In a surprising turn of events, the Lagos State Government has temporarily suspended the ongoing demolition at Jakande Estate, Lekki, following public outcry and media reports highlighting the humanitarian toll of the exercise.
Sources within the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) confirmed that the first phase of the demolition, which began on Sunday, April 6, 2025, has been paused to allow for the completion of the compensation process already initiated by the government.
According to the directive issued from Alausa, the demolition will now resume on Monday, April 14, 2025, after affected residents have been duly compensated.
This decision comes in the wake of a widely circulated report by The Merit Newspaper, which spotlighted the emotional trauma, confusion, and allegations of inadequate communication that trailed the first wave of the demolition.
A senior LASBCA official, who requested anonymity, said, “The government is not insensitive to the plight of the people. The compensation process began some months ago, and the pause is to ensure fairness and transparency before demolition continues.”
Residents and civil society groups have welcomed the temporary suspension, urging the state government to follow through on its promises and prioritize dialogue over force.
