Stakeholders in the real estate sector have condemned the demolition of about 50 buildings in the Surulere community in Lagos State by suspected land grabbers, popularly known as Omo Onile, calling for transparency and proper documentation in property transactions.
Many homeowners in the Amikanle area, near the Command section of Alimosho Local Government, are counting their losses after several houses were destroyed. Residents reported that the thugs invaded the community on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, demanding between N15 million and N25 million from homeowners. Those unable to pay reportedly had their homes demolished.
The founder and CEO of Oikus, Mr. Israel Ihaza, condemned the act, emphasizing the need for structured and transparent real estate practices.
“It’s sad how some individuals continue to undermine government authority and regulatory structures to carry out illegal activities. Incidents like this are deeply troubling and painful for anyone who believes in the rule of law and the future of real estate in Lagos,” Ihaza said.
He added that disorder thrives where ownership records are unclear and enforcement is weak, creating opportunities for abuse. According to Ihaza, the government is actively working to professionalize the sector through stronger systems, digital oversight, and regulatory enforcement.
“Efforts are underway to digitize records and improve accountability across the value chain. These reforms take time but are necessary. The so-called Omo Onile menace has been a structural challenge for years. I have personally experienced similar pressures before, enough to understand the emotional and financial trauma involved,” he said.
Ihaza also stressed that the impact of demolitions goes far beyond physical structures. “It’s life savings, retirement plans, children’s school fees, and personal stability. Such acts create fear among local investors, diaspora Nigerians planning to invest, and developers considering new projects. Fear slows economic growth, which is why decisive legal enforcement is critical.”
Similarly, Sola Enitan, legal counsel to Project-Affected Persons within the 150-metre setback of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, described demolitions as an increasingly common method of extortion in Lagos. He urged affected parties to fight for their rights.
On the financial impact, Enitan said, “In the last two years, demolitions have cost the sector roughly N2 trillion. Fifty-two buildings, each conservatively valued at N50 million, total N2.6 billion. Beyond individual losses, every demolished house removes housing for at least 100 people and drives investors to take their money elsewhere.”
The incident highlights the urgent need for proper documentation, regulatory enforcement, and legal recourse to address the persistent Omo Onile challenges in Lagos.
