Residents of the Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Sogunro waterfront communities in Lagos State have voiced strong opposition to a government proposal to relocate them to Epe. This follows the recent demolition of their homes and a subsequent recommendation from the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In interviews on Wednesday, community members insisted they had not reached any relocation agreement with the state government committee tasked with addressing the issue. They expressed surprise and frustration over the announcement, stating that discussions had not progressed beyond preliminary debates.
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Zannu Silivester, Secretary of the Makoko Gunuvi Student Association, emphasized that no concrete agreement was ever made. “All discussions held so far have only involved suggestions and debates between the Lagos State Government and residents of the Makoko waterfront community,” he explained. “We are surprised that a conclusion was announced and published without the knowledge or agreement of the Makoko community.”
Silivester stressed the community’s right to self-determination, adding, “Nigeria is a democratic nation, and democracy means the people have the right to choose their future, not decisions being imposed on them without consultation.”
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He also challenged the claim that the Oloto Royal Family are the ancestral owners of the land. He pointed out a contradiction, noting that a key government official had previously stated the waterfront belonged to the Federal Government. “During our first, second, and third visits to the Lagos State House of Assembly, Noheem Babatunde Adams clearly stated that he did not recognise or want to hear about the Oloto family as the owners of Makoko,” Silivester said. “This sudden change raises serious questions and concerns that the public deserves answers to.”
He asserted the historical presence of the Ogu (Gunuvi) people in the area, whose traditional occupation of fishing necessitated their proximity to the water for decades.
Silivester warned that the community is prepared to take further action if their concerns are not addressed. “The people of Makoko are law-abiding citizens, but we will continue to defend our rights, heritage, and ancestral homes,” he stated. “If our voices continue to be ignored, the people of Makoko are prepared to mobilise peacefully in large numbers again… in order to defend our rights and seek justice.”
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Echoing this sentiment, community elder Isaac Dosugan, 75, said the relocation plan contradicts the community’s proposals. “I was born in this community,” he said. “In all the meetings we had with the government, our suggestion was that the government should designate a boundary for us in the water area. We also suggested that they should develop the remaining areas for us into befitting residences. It is surprising that they are now saying that they will relocate us. We will not agree to this, and we reject any relocation plan.”
The controversy stems from a recommendation made by the Lagos State House of Assembly during a plenary session on Tuesday. The Assembly adopted a report from its Committee on Rules and Business, which suggested relocating the displaced residents to Epe. This followed a petition titled, “Urgent Appeal Regarding Ongoing Mass Forced Eviction and Illegal Demolition Threatening Tens of Thousands in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro Communities,” which was addressed to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
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The committee chairman, Noheem Adams, reported that the conclusions were reached after five meetings with petitioners and an oversight visit involving government officials and community representatives. The Assembly acknowledged that the demolitions had displaced many residents, including women, children, and the elderly, and resulted in the destruction of homes and property.
A legislative committee has recommended that residents of the Makoko, Sogunro, and Oko-Agbon waterfront communities be relocated to a new low-cost housing development. These communities, which primarily rely on fishing for their livelihood, have historically settled along the water due to their occupation.
The demolition of these areas, which started late last year, has already displaced thousands of residents. The action sparked protests from community members and civil society organizations, who criticized the demolitions as heavy-handed and called for clear resettlement and compensation plans.
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In response, lawmakers have urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to have the Special Adviser on E-GIS review the enumeration report submitted by the affected communities.
The committee’s recommendation suggests moving the remaining residents to a proposed housing estate in the Agbowa area of the state. According to the official statement, this location would allow them to continue their fishing activities.
