By Ayo Ayodele
Fresh concerns have emerged over property ownership in Lagos following the demolition of multi-million-naira houses in Oral Estate, Ikota, where several buildings were pulled down for encroaching on canal pathways.
Residents and observers have described the situation as both painful and avoidable, stressing the importance of due diligence before buying properties in modern estates across the state. “These are millions of naira properties being demolished because they were built on part of a canal,” a concerned resident lamented, questioning whether the blame should fall on the Lagos State Government, local land speculators known as omo onile, traditional rulers, estate developers, or unsuspecting buyers.
The development comes on the heels of the recent demolition exercise at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, where shops and other structures were flattened over allegations of illegal occupation and contravention of approved plans. The government has maintained that the demolitions are necessary to restore order, protect lives, and preserve public infrastructure.
Officials have also hinted that more demolitions will take place in coming weeks. Properties sited under high-tension power lines, along canal setbacks, within Jakande Estates, and on government-acquired lands are among those slated for removal.
While the state government insists the move is part of its urban renewal drive and flood control efforts, critics argue that poor regulation, corruption, and lack of transparency in land allocation have left innocent homeowners at risk of losing their life savings.
Urban planners warn that unless both developers and prospective buyers verify land titles, survey approvals, and government layouts before construction, more residents may face devastating losses in the ongoing clampdown.