Residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos have protested the demolition of their homes, saying they expected better treatment under President Bola Tinubu but are rather faced with mass displacement.
Speaking during a protest, the resident expresed anger over the sudden and uncoordinated demolitions that have left families homeless and uncertain about their future.
“When Buhari was a president, he did not break Yoruba land. Now, where we have Yoruba as our president, where we should enjoy at least a pleasure from our man, we are now in chaos, crying every day,” one resident said.
They argued that due process was not followed, insisting that affected communities should have been engaged and provided alternative accommodation before any demolition exercise.
“This is what the government, the judgment says, that first and foremost, you can’t displace these people until you have provided an alternative. You cannot displace these people until you have negotiated and discussed with them how best to relocate them. But none of these were done,” the protester said.
The residents also accused authorities of ignoring legal and procedural safeguards, saying the actions resemble practices associated with military rule rather than democratic governance.
“It’s very unfortunate that we are practicing what we condemned under military government in the democratic system,” the speaker added.
They further questioned claims that the President was unaware of demolitions affecting Makoko and other waterfront settlements such as Ilaje Otumara, Precious Seed, and Oboroshoki.
“I’m surprised that somebody who lives in Lagos State, somebody who is a Nigerian, would say he is not aware that they demolished Ilaje Otumara, Makoko, Precious Seed, and Oboroshoki, and you live in Lagos State.” the resident said.