The Lagos State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee set up by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has concluded investigation into the demolition of structures in Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon communities, with the affected residents presenting various demands.

At the committee’s final meeting yesterday, representatives of the three communities expressed different positions on compensation and relocation of residents affected by the demolition.

The Alase of the Egun Community in Makoko, Francis Agoyon, said displaced residents should be permanently relocated rather than compensated.

Similarly, the Baale of Makoko maintained that residents preferred relocation to another location, instead of financial compensation. However, he asked the government to clearly state where the displaced people would be relocated to and define the exact boundary of the demolition covering Makoko, Sogunro and Oko-Agbon communities.

In contrast, representatives from Sogunro community demanded financial compensation, suggesting that each affected resident should receive about N10 million, noting that an average bamboo house in the area cost about N4 million.

Vice Chairman of Fishermen Association, Tobi, said the situation had created tension among residents, adding that many people were uncertain about the outcome of the process.

“The people are jittery about the situation. Whatever the traditional rulers say will be the final decision,” he said.

Responding, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Noheem Adams, expressed concern about the shifting positions of community representatives.

He recalled that the communities had earlier agreed on compensation, but later changed their stance, describing the development as a setback to the reconciliation process.

Adams said the committee would report its findings and the communities’ positions to the Speaker and the entire 40-member Assembly for further deliberation.

During the meeting, representatives of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA), informed the committee that some demolished structures had been rebuilt. They requested permission from the Assembly to remove the new constructions.

Leaders of the three communities agreed that the government should proceed to demolish any structures re-erected on the affected sites. (The Nation)

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