By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Makoko and Babajide Sanwo-Olu [Photo Credit: SaharaReporters] |
In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Lagos has barred the Lagos State government, its agencies, and the Nigeria Police Force from further unlawful demolitions or evictions in the Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro, and Iwaya waterfront communities.
The court also awarded ₦3.5 billion in damages against the state government and police for previous demolitions and the unlawful killing of a community leader.
Presiding over Suit No. FHC/L/CS/70/2025, Honourable Justice F.N. Ogazi granted an injunction protecting the settlements, citing the “continuous threat and fear of imminent demolition” faced by residents. The court ordered the government and its agents to cease all actions aimed at displacing the indigenous communities.
The ruling follows years of conflict between the Gunuvi (Egun) fisherfolk and the Lagos State government, which allegedly allocated the disputed land to FBT Coral Limited for luxury apartment construction without compensation or resettlement plans.
The court awarded ₦3.5 billion in damages against the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for, Past demolitions in the waterfront communities, Ongoing threats of displacement and The unlawful killing of a community leader
Additionally, the judgment restrains police from harassing local fishermen conducting their traditional trade on the Lagos Lagoon.
Caleb Dosugan, Coordinator of Freedom in Makoko Oko-Agbon Sogunro and Iwaya Waterfront (FREMOSI), hailed the judgment as a relief for residents who have long faced threats to their homes and livelihoods.
Barrister Femi F. Dodo, counsel for the community, revealed that residents are now eager to redevelop their homes into modern structures but were previously discouraged by constant demolition threats.
He condemned the Lagos State government for displacing indigenous settlements, forcing evictees into Makoko the last remaining waterfront community in Lagos’ Eastern and Central Senatorial Districts.
The legal team urged the Lagos State government to Halt ongoing dredging and land reclamation in Makoko, Engage in sincere dialogue with residents, not just traditional chiefs and Upgrade underserved communities instead of displacing them for private developers
"Makoko deserves development, not destruction," Dodo stated, rejecting the use of "development" as a pretext for land grabbing.
(SAHARAREPORTERS)