Residents of the Natufe/Animashaun Community Development Area in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, staged a peaceful protest against the proposed construction of a cemetery in their neighborhood.
The large plot of land earmarked for the project sits along Babs Animashaun Street, bordered by homes, a school, and a church. Holding placards and chanting “No to the cemetery,” the protesters said the development would endanger public health and degrade their environment.
Chairperson of the community, Alhaja Omolabake Braimoh, said residents had earlier resisted similar plans two years ago. “This is a residential area with schools, churches, and families. We depend on borehole water, and the cemetery will contaminate our land and water,” she said.
Braimoh alleged that a government stakeholder meeting held at Eko Club was done without genuine community representation. “They claimed 60% of us agreed to the project, but those who attended were not from our area,” she stated, adding that letters had been sent to the Coker-Aguda LCDA and more would go to relevant state agencies.
Former CDA chairman Olarenwaju Olaniyan also condemned the plan, urging the state to approve projects that promote growth instead of harm. “We’ve lived here for over 50 years. This project will pollute our boreholes and destroy lives. The governor should intervene,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said during a recent stakeholders’ meeting that the proposed cemetery was designed to address the shortage of burial spaces in Surulere. He explained that the site met planning standards, with features such as CCTV surveillance, street lighting, drainage, and a 20-metre setback from nearby buildings.
Olumide emphasised that inclusive dialogue was key to resolving such disputes, noting that Lagos’ limited land space required “creativity and collaboration” in urban planning.
The protest highlights the broader challenge of balancing community welfare with Lagos’ growing demand for essential public infrastructure.
