By: Manoah Kikekon
"We no go gree o! We no go gree!" chanted youths of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State on Monday, 12th October 2026, as they staged a peaceful protest against the illegal encroachment on public school grounds at Sito-Gbetrome.
Demonstrators carried placards with clear messages: "Stop the encroachment now," "The youths are against Sito-Gbetrome land encroachment," "Stop building a five-star hotel on school premises," "Beware of 419: This land is government property donated by the host community," and "The land is reserved for a technical college."
Protesters expressed strong concern over ongoing unauthorised construction, highlighting that the project lacks official government signage detailing its scope or ownership.
Comrade Godonu Semedeton, former Speaker of the National Association of Badagry West Students (NABWES), noted that a similar attempt to encroach on the land was halted by authorities around 2021/2022. He voiced frustration at the sudden resurgence of construction activities.
“We just woke up and saw this structure. Maybe they lay the foundation at midnight we don’t know. We haven’t met anyone behind this, nor do we know if they are operating legally. Our community's security is paramount and sacrosanct,” Semedeton stated.
He added that the host community strongly prefers projects that address local educational gaps, such as a state technical college or an additional secondary school for Badagry West, urging all levels of government to step in swiftly.
Echoing these concerns, Comrade Elizabeth Podayi emphasized the long-term impact on local students
“Land is more than property it is our future and our heritage. This is a school environment where lives and minds are being built. We will not allow developments that negatively influence our students or tarnish our community. Stakeholders must act fast to halt these illegalities.”
Protest leader Awesu Olanrewaju added “We cannot sit by and watch our community's future being taken without consent. We are peaceful citizens and do not support violence, but we will firmly defend our heritage.”
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Mr. Timothy Semasa, Chairman of the Oglogbo Community Development Association (CDA) and Financial Secretary of the Badagry West Community Development Committee (CDC), disclosed that the affected area serves over 99 surrounding communities.
Semasa warned of potential security risks if unverified developments are permitted on public grounds. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Federal Minister of Education, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Education to intervene immediately.
During an inspection of the site, youths pointed out an illegal building under construction as well as damaged boundary fencing. Protesters reaffirmed that local traditional and political leaders were not consulted about the project, calling for a full investigation to halt all unauthorised work until the land's status is officially resolved.