Property owners and residents of Ikotun, Lagos State, have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the ongoing road expansion project in the area, alleging that the current demolition markings are unfairly affecting properties covered by valid Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
The residents said they fully support the state government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and ease traffic congestion, but expressed concern that the manner in which the project measurements are being carried out could leave some property owners severely affected or completely displaced.
The appeal was made by a resident and landlord in the community, Mr. Adekunle Yusuf Omotosho, who urged the government to review the measurements and ensure that affected property owners are treated fairly.
“They Want to Take Everything”
Omotosho said residents initially welcomed the government’s development plans for Ikotun, believing the road expansion would bring significant benefits to the community.
However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as excessive markings by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
“We are pleading to the government. We need development in our area and we accepted it. But we can see there is a little partiality because the measurement has affected us a lot,” he said.
According to him, several affected property owners possess valid Certificates of Occupancy and other legal documents covering their properties.
“When we are talking about C of O, many of our houses around here have C of O too. I don’t know why the Ministry of Transportation would take all our land.”
He added that some structures already standing on the affected properties have also been marked for removal.
“I’m telling you, the whole land, even where we have buildings on it, they say they have to cut everything away.”
Residents Seek Mercy, Fairness
The landlord appealed to the state government to intervene before the exercise causes further hardship to property owners and families in the area.
He argued that while government projects are designed to benefit the public, their implementation should not unnecessarily punish residents who have legitimately acquired their properties.
“We are pleading to the Lagos State Government to come and help us, to look into this matter. Please come to our rescue, come to our aid,” Omotosho pleaded.
He maintained that the residents believe they are acting within the law and are only asking the government to consider their circumstances.
“We know if we can get mercy from any government official that can assist us, we are in our right. We plead to the government to come. Please assist us. That is what we want.”
“We Are Not Against Development”
The residents stressed that their objection is not to the road expansion project itself, but to what they described as the scale and manner of the proposed demolition.
They said they remain supportive of the government’s infrastructure agenda and recognise the importance of road development to the growth of Ikotun and its surrounding communities.
However, they urged the government to review the demolition measurements and consider adjustments where possible to minimise displacement and protect property owners with valid legal documents.
The community is therefore appealing directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to personally examine the situation and ensure that the road expansion project is executed with fairness, compassion and due consideration for affected landowners.
For the residents, the message is clear: development is welcome, but it should not come at the cost of taking everything they own.