Lagos lawmakers push for Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro relocation to Epe
The Lagos State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution urging the state government to relocate residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro communities to Agbowa in Epe. The decision followed
The Lagos State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution urging the state government to relocate residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro communities to Agbowa in Epe.
The decision followed a petition concerning the demolition exercise carried out in the affected communities, which displaced residents and destroyed several properties.
The House Committee on Rules and Business, which investigated the matter, reported that the affected communities depend largely on fishing for their livelihood and are currently exposed to environmental and health hazards after the demolition.
The resolution was based on a petition addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, titled “Urgent Appeal Regarding Ongoing Mass Forced Eviction and Illegal Demolition Threatening Tens of Thousands in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro Communities.”
Presenting the committee’s report during plenary at the Committee of the Whole, the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Noheem Adams, said the findings were reached after five separate engagements with the petitioners and an oversight visit conducted alongside relevant government officials, agencies and representatives of the affected communities.
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According to the committee, the demolition exercise undertaken by the state government displaced numerous residents, including elderly persons, the sick, women and children, and led to the destruction of homes and other property. It also observed that the waterfront communities depend primarily on fishing and have historically lived on the water because of the nature of their occupation.
The committee further noted that living conditions in Makoko and surrounding areas deteriorated significantly after the demolition, creating environmental and health risks, as well as heightened safety and security concerns.
Based on its findings, the committee recommended that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu direct the Special Adviser on E-GIS to vet the enumeration report submitted by the Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon communities.
It also recommended that the state government relocate the remaining residents to a proposed low-cost housing estate to be constructed in Agbowa, Epe, where they can continue their fishing activities.
In addition, the committee advised that the government involve the Oloto of the Otto Family in the construction of the proposed Water City Project, recognising the family as the original owners of the land.
