(By Moshood Adebayo – LAGOS)
Scores of residents of Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa in Isolo, protested the planned demolition by the State Building Investment Corporation (LBIC) of illegally-built shops in their area.
Though affected residents have admitted that they ran afoul of the law by building structures in front of residential buildings, they appealed to state governor Akinwunmi Ambode not to go ahead with the planned demolitions.
The protesters, who staged their action in front of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), told Daily Sun that the LBIC, headed by Mrs. Folashade Folivi, had served them demolition notices.
“We plead with Governor Ambode to intervene on our behalf because we fear that the LBIC officials led by would carry out their threat of demolition today.”
Mrs. Folashade Hamzat, a provision seller, who spoke on behalf of women residents, said that most of the operators of the affected shops are widows and retirees, whose major means of livelihood depend largely on the shops.
“We are not saying they should beautify the estate, but let them start by beautifying our roads, give us regular power supply, water and do their social responsibility, not demolition of our shops. And besides, most of these shop serve as shields around the estate, if the planned demolition was carried out, we would be exposed to high insecurity in the area.”
Addressing the protesters Lagos State House of Assembly majority leader, Mr. Sanai Agunbiade, said the House would look into their matter, promising to set up a committee on it.
“I want to appeal to you to remain calm as we investigate, in order to ensure that no one is illegally displaced. The present administration is committed to make the state safe for everyone,” Agunbiade said.