By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Babajide Sanwo-Olu |
LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a landmark concession to public outcry, the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially suspended the controversial demolition of the Makoko waterfront community. The decision follows weeks of intense protests from residents, civil rights activists, and socio-cultural organizations who decried the exercise as a "humanitarian crisis."
The suspension was formally announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Noheem Adams. Speaking on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Adams directed all government ministries and task forces to halt activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro with immediate effect.
The halt comes after a violent week in the historic fishing settlement. Residents and groups like the Ogu General Assembly (OGA) accused the government of "systematic ethnic cleansing" and "unconscionable gentrification." Critics alleged that the clearances, ostensibly for urban renewal and safety, were actually intended to pave the way for luxury real estate developments frequently dubbed "Periwinkle Island" at the expense of the indigenous Egun people who have inhabited the area since the 17th century.
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The OGA reported that the forced evictions had led to deaths, mass displacement, and the total destruction of livelihoods for the estimated 300,000 people living in the dense waterfront clusters.
Despite the suspension, the state government maintains that its original intent was driven by public safety. Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso confirmed on Wednesday that the suspension was an "agreement" reached with the House of Assembly to lower tensions.
Previously, the government argued that many structures were built dangerously beneath high-tension power lines or encroached on the Third Mainland Bridge corridor. "No responsible government can allow people to live directly under power cables," Omotoso previously stated, citing the risk of catastrophic fires or electrocution in the lagoon.
In a bid to repair relations with the community, the Assembly has promised full compensation for residents whose homes have already been leveled. The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Dr. Babatunde Olajide, revealed that the state has earmarked $2 million for the "human-faced" redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront.
"We are working on a large water city project to redevelop the community to international standards," Olajide explained. "Enumeration of affected properties is ongoing, and protecting residents' interests remains our priority."
While the suspension is viewed as a victory, civil society groups like the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) are calling for deeper accountability. The group has demanded the prosecution of security officers involved in the "violent execution" of evictions and the immediate removal of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh.