Tensions ran high at the Lagos State House of Assembly as residents of Otumara Community staged a protest against what they describe as an attempt at forceful eviction by state authorities. The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, decried the sudden arrival of police officers and officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), who marked homes and markets with red paint, crosses, and the inscription “TOTAL REMOVAL.”
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the protesters demanded an immediate halt to what they perceive as an unjust demolition exercise. They argue that the government’s actions undermine their rights to dignity, shelter, and protection—rights they claim to have upheld for over a century.
“We are not against development, but it must be inclusive,” one of the protesters stated. “We have engaged with the government in past dialogues, yet they have returned to mark our properties without consultation. This is jungle justice.”
The Otumara Community, a long-standing settlement in Lagos, has been a subject of previous discussions around urban renewal and development. While the government has often spoken about transforming the area, residents insist that such efforts must involve adequate resettlement plans and fair compensation.
As the protest continues to gain traction, advocacy groups and civil society organizations have started weighing in, calling on the Lagos State Government to engage the affected residents in meaningful dialogue rather than resorting to what many see as abrupt and forceful measures.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response, but residents remain resolute in their demand for justice and fair treatment. The coming days will determine whether this protest leads to government intervention or further tensions between the people of Otumara and the state.
