By: Manoah Kikekon
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| OGA and Babajide Sanwo-Olu the Lagos State Governor |
The Ogu General Assembly (OGA) has officially called on the Lagos State Government to provide immediate relief and justice for the residents of Makoko following a massive demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government.
The forced removals, which reportedly resulted in the destruction of hundreds of homes and the tragic loss of several lives, have sparked a humanitarian outcry.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders' engagement held on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja, OGA leadership emphasized that the state must move beyond site inspections and provide concrete solutions for those now sleeping in the open.
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The demand for government action follows a Monday visit by the House Committee on Public Petitions to the affected fishing community. OGA representatives returned to the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday to stand in solidarity with the people of Makoko during a follow-up meeting.
The Assembly expressed deep gratitude to its **four-member delegation led by Convener Prof. Jendele Hungbo, Prof. Senayon Olaoluwa, Mr. Sewedo Nupowaku, and Chief Pentho Francis for their steadfast advocacy in the face of this crisis.
During the session, Prof. Jendele Hungbo challenged the government to present a transparent roadmap for the survivors. "Some people have been displaced; what is the government’s plan for their immediate accommodation?" Hungbo questioned.
He further pressed for a clear compensation plan for the families of those who lost their lives during the exercise. Hungbo noted that any future dialogue must be rooted in empathy, as the demolition has not only stripped residents of their shelter but has effectively crippled their economic survival in the water-dependent fishing community.
As the situation in Makoko remains dire, the Ogu General Assembly is insisting on immediate recompense to help the displaced population regain their livelihoods.
With their primary means of income the water now inaccessible or disrupted by the state's actions, the OGA maintains that the government has a moral and legal obligation to provide a safety net.
The group remains committed to monitoring the state’s response to ensure that the vulnerable residents of Makoko are not forgotten in the name of urban redevelopment.