By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS – Tension is mounting in Jakande Estate, Lekki, as residents brace for the first phase of demolitions ordered by the Lagos State Government. On March 17, 2025, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) served a Demolition Notice on several buildings, warning that unauthorized or distressed structures would be pulled down within three days if corrective actions were not taken.
This development comes exactly one year after the government commenced the clearance of illegal structures, shops, mosques, and churches in the estate. That operation, announced on March 11, 2024—the first day of Ramadan—was led by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. He had stated that the exercise was necessary to recover the coastal road path for the Lagos-Calabar Highway project and facilitate urban renewal.
Residents Cry Out Over Uncertainty and Compensation
Many landlords and tenants affected by the proposed first phase of demolitions remain unsettled. Some residents claim that promises of compensation or relocation to alternative government housing in Sangotedo, Epe, or Ikorodu have not been fulfilled. Others allege that while certain landlords received compensation, third-party agents handling evacuations failed to pass on financial support to displaced tenants, leaving them stranded.
A civil servant living in the estate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration:
“We have been hearing about the demolition from third parties instead of the Lagos State Government itself. They should come and address us directly. How do they expect us to move without proper arrangements?”
Tenants, particularly low-income earners and civil servants, are pleading for financial assistance or an extension to allow them to find alternative accommodation.
Concerns Over Ramadan and Lack of Official Engagement
The timing of the demolitions has also sparked concern among residents, as the exercise coincides with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and Lent for Christians—just as it did in 2024. Some residents see this as insensitive, arguing that the government should consider delaying the exercise until after the fasting period.
“Last year, they demolished during Ramadan, and now they are doing the same thing again. Why always during a religious period?” another affected resident asked.
With the deadline stated in the Demolition Notice already elapsed, anxiety has heightened. Many residents fear that government bulldozers could arrive at any moment, leaving them with nowhere to go.
Calls for Dialogue with the Lagos State Government
Residents are urging the Lagos State Government to engage with them directly rather than through intermediaries. They believe a face-to-face dialogue will clarify the process of demolition, financial compensation, or possible relocation.
“We just want transparency. If they are going to demolish our homes, they should at least talk to us directly and let us know what plans are in place for our future,” a resident said.
As the situation unfolds, Jakande Estate remains on edge, with families, business owners, and worship centers in distress. Whether the government will heed the residents’ call for dialogue or proceed with the demolition unannounced remains to be seen.
