Group Seeks Govt Intervention Over Alleged Illegal Demolition, Displacement of Ilaje Community in Lagos

Sunday Ehigiator

The President-General of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, Prince Iwatimigha Irowainu, has called for urgent government intervention to mitigate the effects of the displacement of residents from Otumara Community, an Ilaje settlement in Lagos State.

Irowainu made the appeal during a press conference recently held in Ajegunle, Lagos, where he declared that the demolition of Otumara Community was illegal and an act of contempt of court.

He explained that on 18th February 2025, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on E-GIS, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Olajide A. Biodun, accompanied by Mr. Gbolahan Oki, armed police officers, and some known thugs, had arrived in Otumara.

They ordered the residents to vacate immediately, stating that the Lagos State Government had decided to demolish the settlement.

He added that the Lagos State Government officials advised the community to engage with Oba Bashiru Abisoye Odesanya, Arokusha II, the Oloto of Otto Kingdom, who has been illegally claiming ownership of Otumara Community, in order to halt the demolition.

Further according to him, “The land of Otumara Community is currently the subject of litigation in Suit No. LD/4292/LMN/17 and Suit No. 25126/2017, before Hon. Justice Sule-Amsat of the High Court 2, Sabo, Lagos.

“These suits were filed by the Oloto ruling House against the Otumara Community, with the next adjournment set for 7th May 2025.

“Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Dr. Olajide Abiodun, Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS, Physical and Urban Planning, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and Mr. Animashaun Oladimeji, General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA), in conjunction with Oba Bashiru Abisoye Odesanya, the Oloto of Otto Kingdom, backed by fully armed police officers and known thugs, including Area Boys led by Toyin Tomori and Sodiq Aromire, invaded Otumara Community from 7th to 10th March and completely demolished all the houses in the community.

“The national and state leadership of this group have reliably gathered that the same treatment given to Ilaje Otumara Community will be extended to other Ilaje communities in Lagos State, particularly Ijora Badia, Iwaya, Makoko, Ayetoro, Orioke Alala, Bariga, Ajah-Lekki, and Itedo Community in Lekki, by the same group of individuals.

“However, we want to assure them that this illegality and criminal act against our people will be resisted by all legal means.”

The group is now appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the relevant agencies to ensure justice for Otumara Community, and to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene by providing displacement camps for those affected.

They also called on Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to offer assistance.

“We are calling on His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to direct the Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this matter, with a view to bringing all perpetrators to justice and preventing any further breakdown of law and order.

“In the same vein, we call on the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to establish internally displaced persons (IDP) camps with adequate relief materials to alleviate the conditions of those affected by this illegal demolition.

“Finally, we are also appealing to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to come to the aid of Ilaje Otumara Community, which has been rendered homeless. The national leadership of Egbe, the people of Ilaje Nation worldwide, and the Ilaje residents in Lagos State will no longer remain passive while their properties and communities are being illegally destroyed by both state and non-state actors.”