In a recent outcry, Yemi Alade criticized the Lagos State Government for the demolition of residential buildings in Maryland, stressing the impact on citizens forced into homelessness overnight.
The renowned artist expressed concern that the ongoing demolitions were detrimentally affecting the real estate sector and deterring potential investors.
Through a video posted on her Instagram account, Alade questioned the rationale behind destroying properties where individuals had invested substantial sums, leaving them without shelter abruptly.
She remarked, “The recurrent demolitions are distressing. The current situation at Maryland, Mende area is alarming. Families are going to bed in their homes, only to wake up the next day without a roof over their heads.”
She continued, “This rampant demolition is not only devaluing real estate in Lagos but also eroding confidence, causing people to lose faith not just in the Nigerian concept, but in their entire existence. How can this be acceptable? Why?”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified the rationale behind the demolition spree in Mende, Maryland, and other parts of the state.
It was disclosed that the demolished structures had been constructed over drainage channels.
In a social media post, Wahab stated, “We inspected Mende Villa, Maryland, where the Developer initially alleged having drainage approval for the property. Directors aware of the circumstances confirmed that the Developer had received temporary and conditional approval, requiring a 20m setback from System 1’s edge. However, the Developer exceeded the setback, obstructing rainwater flow.”
“By Governor @jidesanwoolu’s directives, the Right of Way (ROW) was reduced from 140 to 100 meters, apportioned on a 60/40 basis (60 Mende /40 Ogudu) instead of the initial 140 within the Mende region. The enforcement team was tasked to promptly clear all structures encroaching the alignment, having issued initial notices in 2021 and November 2023 following stakeholder meetings,” he added.