Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend ongoing demolitions of waterfront communities, warning that the actions violate subsisting court orders.
In a statement, Falana cited multiple rulings restraining the state from forceful evictions in areas such as Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro and Iwaya. He recalled a June 22, 2017 judgment by the Lagos High Court which declared similar demolitions illegal, noting that over 30,000 residents were rendered homeless at the time. The court also awarded N3.5 million in damages and ordered a permanent halt to further evictions.
Falana stressed that the ruling protects about 270,000 residents and mandates government consultation with affected communities before any resettlement plans.
However, the Lagos State Government defended the demolitions, insisting they are necessary for safety, environmental protection and sustainable urban development, particularly where buildings obstruct waterways or lie beneath power lines.
#LagosDemolitions #FemiFalana #Makoko #RuleOfLaw #LagosNews #UrbanDevelopment
