A coalition of community groups and civil society organisations has called for widespread solidarity with residents of Makoko and demanded justice for victims of forced evictions across Lagos State.
The call was made at a press briefing on March 24, 2026, by the Coalition against Demolition, Forced Eviction, Landgrabbing and Displacement in Lagos State.
The group expressed support for Makoko residents resisting a proposed relocation to Agbowa, while urging the Lagos State government to halt what it described as “systematic displacement” of vulnerable communities.
“The Coalition stands in solidarity with the people of Makoko who are resisting relocation and calls for meaningful justice for all victims of forced evictions across Lagos,” the group said.
READ ALSO:
- DataPro Holds Media Training to Boost AI-Driven Financial Reporting Skills
- CSOs Oppose Lagos CP Promotion, Seek Probe Over Soweto
- CSOs Slam Lagos Govt Over Makoko Demolition, Allege Deaths
- Lagos Assembly Recommends Relocation of Makoko Residents to Epe
They criticised a proposal by the Lagos State House of Assembly to relocate Makoko residents, insisting instead that they be included in the UN-supported Water Cities Project, which they said was originally designed to promote in-situ community regeneration.
They also renewed demands for justice for displaced residents from several communities, including Makoko, Oworonshoki, and Otumara.
The Coalition alleged that the Lagos State government has undermined justice through “deceptive processes” and disregard for court rulings.
According to the group, affected communities have been subjected to irregular procedures following evictions in Otumara in March 2025, Oworonshoki between September and December 2025, and Makoko between December 2025 and January 2026.
“These processes often sideline legal representation and result in pittances being paid to a few people to undermine broader justice efforts,” the Coalition said.
The group further accused authorities of ignoring legal judgments, including a 2017 court ruling protecting waterfront communities and a February 2025 judgment by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice ordering compensation for affected residents.
They cited the demolition of Ojileru in October 2025 despite court orders, as well as the government’s alleged failure to appear in court over lawsuits related to the Otumara eviction.
Describing the humanitarian impact, the Coalition said many evicted residents now live in “desperate poverty and unimaginable living conditions,” often in makeshift shelters.
They also alleged that cleared lands are being converted into high-end developments, pointing to projects such as Periwinkle Estate—developed after the eviction of thousands from Otodo Gbame—and the Metro View Estate project reportedly being built on the former Otumara site.
“The Coalition will not stand silently while the poor are pushed further into poverty,” the group added, calling on residents and the international community to oppose ongoing evictions.
The statement was endorsed by representatives of multiple community groups, advocacy organisations, and civil society actors, including leaders from informal settlement federations, student representatives from Makoko, and human rights advocates.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X
