Human rights and advocacy organizations have issued strong condemnations against the Lagos State Government for its ongoing demolition exercise in the historic Makoko waterfront community. The groups accuse the state of acting illegally, violating a subsisting court judgment, and causing tragic fatalities and mass displacement.
Violation of Court Order Alleged
The Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar (RAMINBA) has called for an immediate stop to the demolitions, which it labels as illegal. The group's chairperson, Ayodele Adémiluyi, and secretary, Abiodun Kolawole, stated that the actions defy a "valid and subsisting" judgment delivered by Justice Ogazi of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.
While the initial demolition of structures within 100 metres of power lines complied with the court's ruling, RAMINBA alleges the government has grossly exceeded this mandate. The group contends that houses situated far beyond the power line corridor have been pulled down, constituting a clear violation of the court order. They have urgently called on the state to exercise restraint and fully comply with the rule of law.
Deaths, Displacement, and Arrest of Community Leader
In a separate joint statement, the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEEHOPE), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) detailed severe consequences of the exercise. They reported that the alleged forced demolitions led to the deaths of two babies and one adult, alongside the mass displacement of residents.
The organizations also highlighted the arrest of a community youth leader, Mr. Oluwatobi Aide (known as Woli). According to witnesses, Aide approached demolition officials on Monday, January 12, 2026, to appeal for a brief delay so residents could retrieve belongings after the exercise expanded beyond the communicated area. Instead of addressing his concerns, security agents arrested him.
Aide, who was previously tear-gassed during the demolitions and hospitalized, is now detained at the Area F Police Station in Ikeja. His health has reportedly deteriorated further while in custody. The groups condemned his arrest as part of a pattern of suppressing community voices.
A Pattern of Disregard for the Urban Poor
Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, condemned the actions, stating, "We view these latest attacks on vulnerable populations and the urban poor as the most violent manifestations of the Lagos government’s contempt for people it treats as expendable... This state-driven campaign of land grabbing and displacement is repugnant and must be halted."
Executive Director of CEEHOPE, Betty Abah, emphasized that Makoko's plight is not isolated. She listed a series of communities subjected to similar exercises over the past year, including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds, displacing tens of thousands.
Abah outlined a consistent pattern:
- Demolitions often occur without prior notice, consultation, or alternative accommodation.
- They are frequently carried out in defiance of pending court cases or injunctions.
- Historic evictions in areas like Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, and Ilaje-Bariga have shattered livelihoods and exposed women and children to increased risks of violence and poverty.
The collective demand from all involved groups is for the Lagos State Government to immediately halt the demolitions in Makoko, comply with the court order, release Mr. Oluwatobi Aide, and address the humanitarian crisis its actions have created.
