KEY POINTS

• Residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro rejected the Lagos Assembly’s proposal to relocate them to Epe, saying no agreement was reached with the government.

• Community members say earlier discussions focused on defining settlement boundaries and developing low-cost housing within the area, not relocation.

• The demolition exercise has displaced thousands of residents and sparked protests, with calls for proper resettlement and compensation.

Residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro waterfront communities in the Yaba area of Lagos State have rejected a proposal to relocate them to Epe following the demolition of their homes.

The residents insist that at no point did they reach an agreement with the Lagos State Government to move to another part of the state. They argue that discussions held with government representatives only involved suggestions and debates, not a final decision.

Speaking in an interview, the Secretary of the Makoko Gunuvi Student Association, Zannu Silivester, said the communities were surprised to hear about the relocation plan because it was never agreed upon during meetings with the government.

According to him, the announcement of the relocation was made without the consent or knowledge of the people most affected by the demolition.

Silivester said the engagements between community representatives and the state authorities were meant to explore possible solutions to the housing crisis created by the demolition exercise, but no concrete agreement had been reached.

He argued that in a democratic society, residents should have a say in decisions affecting their future and livelihoods rather than having decisions imposed on them.

Dispute emerges over ownership of Makoko waterfront

Silivester also criticised claims that the Oloto Royal Family are the ancestral owners of the Makoko waterfront communities.

He explained that during several visits by community representatives to the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Noheem Babatunde Adams, had reportedly stated that the Makoko waterfront belonged to the Federal Government and not to the Oloto family.

However, Silivester said the recent mention of the Oloto family as owners of the area raised concerns among residents and demanded clarification from the authorities.

He maintained that the Makoko waterfront community has existed for decades and that the Ogu (Gunuvi) people are the original inhabitants because of their traditional fishing occupation, which requires living close to the water.

Silivester warned that the community would not hesitate to mobilise for peaceful protests if their concerns continue to be ignored.

He stressed that while the residents are law-abiding citizens, they are determined to protect their heritage, homes and livelihoods.

According to him, the community expects the government to honour promises made to them and to ensure that decisions affecting their lives are made through transparent and democratic engagement.

He added that if their voices remain unheard, residents could organise a larger peaceful protest than their previous visit to the Lagos State House of Assembly in order to defend their rights.