A major rift has emerged between the Lagos State House of Assembly and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after lawmakers ordered an immediate halt to demolitions in Makoko and neighboring waterfronts.
The directive was issued following a high-stakes meeting with community leaders at the Assembly Complex in Ikeja.
This intervention pauses a controversial demolition exercise that has sparked heated debate and criticism since it first began in December 2025.
Despite the government’s claim that the demolitions were in the public interest, the move sparked a backlash from rights activists and displaced residents.
In response, the Lagos Assembly’s ad-hoc committee chairman, Noheem Adams, ordered an indefinite stay on the exercise across the Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro areas.
Adams confirmed that the House has resolved to halt all agency activity at the sites and will ensure that displaced property owners are compensated for their losses.
“All demolitions in Makoko and its waterfront communities should be stopped with immediate effect until further notice.
“Also, any task force to be constituted must involve the residents and carry them along,” he said.
Also speaking, Isaac Gunmayon, the Baale representing the affected areas, voiced his gratitude to the House for stepping in.
He noted that the Assembly’s intervention offered a vital reprieve for the embattled waterfront communities.
“They called us to come and explain what exactly happened, and we discussed everything. Whatever the House has decided reflects our wishes, and we are very happy with the way they spoke to us and gave us hope,” he community ruler said.
Persecondnews gathered that more than 10,000 residents have been displaced, with thousands of structures demolished, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
Many residents have been left without shelter, livelihoods, or access to basic amenities.
Residents claim they were not given adequate notice before the demolition, and many have not received compensation or relocation assistance.
The government has promised to provide compensation to affected residents, but the process is ongoing.
There were reports of violence, tear gas usage, and property destruction during the demolition.
However, some community members claim there are existing court judgments protecting them from eviction, which the government allegedly disregarded.
Meanwhile, the state government says it has committed $2 million to redevelop Makoko, with plans to modernize the community and improve living conditions.
The government claims that the redevelopment plan will provide better housing and amenities for residents.
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