Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command fired teargas at residents who staged a protest on Wednesday at the Lagos State House of Assembly over ongoing demolition exercises across several communities, including Makoko, Owode Onirin, Oworonshoki, Otumara, and Baba-Ijora.
The residents gathered to express opposition to the demolitions, which they claimed were carried out without adequate consultation, proper compensation, or resettlement plans.
The demonstration began at the Ikeja under-bridge and proceeded to the assembly complex, where the protesters carried banners and placards with messages such as “Justice for Ago Egun,” “Governor Sanwo-Olu, Save Ajegunle People from Oba Ojora,” “Justice for Owode Onirin Traders,” and “Halt the Demolitions, It is Illegal.” Their aim was to demand justice and fair treatment for those affected by the ongoing government-led demolition activities.
Upon reaching the assembly complex, police officers had barricaded the entrance with vehicles, preventing the protesters from entering. The authorities cited security concerns, noting that allowing unrestricted access could lead to the demonstration being hijacked by hoodlums. The Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, who was present at the scene, stated that the police would not permit entry into the assembly to maintain order and protect both the protesters and the premises.
The protesters insisted on gaining access to the designated podium at the assembly complex, highlighting that similar protests, such as the December 17, 2025, demonstration led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over rising insecurity, had been permitted by the police. Activist Hassan Soweto reminded the police commissioner of this precedent, arguing for equitable treatment of all peaceful protests regardless of the cause.
In response to the protesters’ persistence, three members of the Lagos State House of Assembly came out to address the crowd. However, the gesture failed to satisfy the demonstrators, who booed the lawmakers and demanded permission to enter the complex. The tension escalated as disagreements between the protesters and the lawmakers intensified, eventually leading to the departure of the assembly members under a chorus of boos from the demonstrators.
Shortly after the departure of the lawmakers, police officers deployed teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. Several demonstrators were reportedly affected, while a number of participants were arrested. Journalists covering the protest were also caught in the teargas, highlighting the challenges faced by media personnel in volatile public demonstrations.
The protest underscores the rising tensions between residents and government authorities over urban redevelopment initiatives in Lagos. Many communities affected by the demolitions have long raised concerns about the lack of adequate resettlement options, insufficient compensation for lost property, and limited engagement with affected residents before carrying out such actions. Civil society groups and activists have consistently argued that demolitions without community involvement risk creating social unrest and deepening mistrust between citizens and the state.
Local analysts note that while the government cites the need to enforce urban planning regulations and eliminate illegal structures, the approach to implementation has often been criticized for being heavy-handed. Reports indicate that affected areas, such as Makoko and Ajegunle, are home to low-income populations, many of whom rely on informal settlements for their livelihoods. The removal of such structures without comprehensive resettlement plans exacerbates socio-economic vulnerabilities and fuels grievances among residents.
This incident also highlights the recurring challenge of balancing urban development, regulatory enforcement, and human rights considerations. Policymakers face the complex task of upgrading infrastructure and ensuring orderly city planning while also protecting the welfare of vulnerable communities. The teargas deployment and subsequent arrests have sparked renewed debate about the appropriate use of force in managing protests, with calls for improved dialogue and negotiation mechanisms between authorities and affected residents.
As Lagos continues its push for urban modernization and environmental management, the government is expected to provide clarity on compensation frameworks and resettlement options. Observers emphasize that sustainable urban development requires transparent processes, active engagement with communities, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly serves as a reminder of the growing frustration among residents affected by demolition operations. It also underscores the broader need for governments to adopt inclusive and humane strategies when implementing urban policies, particularly in cities experiencing rapid population growth and infrastructural pressures.
Moving forward, stakeholders—including government agencies, civil society groups, and community leaders—are urged to collaborate to ensure that development initiatives are equitable, transparent, and respectful of citizens’ rights. Without such engagement, similar protests and confrontations are likely to persist, threatening public trust and social cohesion in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
