By SUNTV Global | January 22, 2026
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has demanded a public apology from Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos State Government over deaths, violence and displacement allegedly recorded during demolition exercises in several communities across the state.
The groups also called for accountability over the use of force and alleged human rights violations linked to demolitions carried out in waterfront and inner-city communities, including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, Ilaje-Otumara and Baba Ijora.
In a joint statement made available to SUNTV Global on Thursday, the coalition—made up of national and international human rights, environmental and social justice organisations—accused the Lagos State Government of carrying out forced evictions without adequate notice, consultation, compensation or resettlement.
According to the CSOs, thousands of residents were displaced during the demolitions, with security operatives allegedly using tear gas, live ammunition and excessive force during some of the operations.
The coalition claimed that demolitions carried out in Makoko from December 23, 2025, displaced more than 10,000 residents and led to the destruction of over 3,000 homes. They further alleged that at least 12 people, including two infants, lost their lives during the operation.
Among those reportedly killed were 70-year-old Albertine Ojadikluno and five-day-old Epiphany Kpenassou Adingban.
The CSOs also accused the state government of carrying out night-time demolitions in Oworonshoki in October 2025, despite a court order restraining such actions. According to the statement, homes were demolished at night while residents were asleep, leading to arrests, injuries and detentions in Ikoyi and Kirikiri correctional facilities.
They further alleged that demolitions in Ilaje-Otumara and Baba Ijora in March 2025 rendered over 10,000 people homeless, forcing many families to sleep outdoors and exposing vulnerable groups to hardship.
The coalition recalled a 2017 Lagos High Court judgment which held that forced evictions carried out without consultation violate residents’ constitutional right to dignity. They also referenced an August 2025 judgment of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, which restrained the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force from demolitions in Makoko and other waterfront communities, and awarded ₦3.5 billion in damages against them.
According to the CSOs, the damages awarded by the court are yet to be paid, while demolitions have allegedly continued.
The groups rejected claims that the provision of palliatives would address the impact of the demolitions, insisting instead on justice and compensation for affected residents.
They called for an immediate halt to demolitions, compliance with court orders, provision of emergency shelter and medical care for displaced persons, compensation for lost homes and livelihoods, and independent investigations into all reported deaths and injuries.
The statement was signed by community leaders and rights activists, including Israel Idowu of the Makoko Waterfront community, Betty Abah, founder of the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEEHOPE), Zikora Ibeh of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Hassan Taiwo Soweto of the #EndBadGovernance Movement, Lagos State.
Other signatories include Comrade Abiodun Ahmed, Comrade Tunde Yusuf, Olanrewaju Olusegun, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, Prince Iwamitighi R. Irowainu and Opeyemi Adamolekun.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
