Commuters and motorists were stranded on Monday as residents of Oworonshoki, Lagos State, occupied the Third Mainland Bridge to protest the ongoing demolition exercise in their community.
In viral photos and videos seen online, demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as “No to land grabbing” and “Let us breathe, stop demolition” while blocking the busy bridge, leaving traffic at a standstill.
The Lagos State Government had recently begun removing unapproved structures along the Lekki and Iyana Oworonshoki coastal lines, citing safety and environmental concerns. However, residents claim the demolition is unjust and has left thousands homeless.
Reports indicated that some occupants were given only minutes to retrieve their belongings, while clashes with security operatives led to tear gas being fired to disperse protesters.
Defending the move, officials argued that uncontrolled sand dredging and haphazard construction posed threats to the lagoon, aquatic life, and surrounding communities.
But the Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) condemned the operation, describing it as “a crime against humanity.” In a statement signed by its Secretary, Opeyemi Ogunlami, and PRO, Towolawi Jamiu, the group alleged that the government was targeting poor residents under the guise of urban renewal.
“The demolition exercise is a continuation of the attack on Oworonshoki that started in July 2023, where over 1,000 homes have been destroyed and over 30,000 people rendered homeless, including women and children. This barbaric act must be condemned outright,” the group said.
The OYF further accused the government of attempting to seize land for the wealthy, calling the demolition part of a “large-scale land grab.”
Meanwhile, authorities maintained that in Lekki, the operation was focused on shanties allegedly occupied by miscreants who harassed road users and violated environmental laws.
The demolition comes just days before Lagos is set to host its maiden Waterfront Summit on September 11, themed “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience.” Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, said the summit would address threats facing the lagoon, including coastal erosion that has already wiped out entire communities like Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki.
“Coastal erosion is a regional problem with global implications. Lagos must take urgent steps to safeguard its communities, infrastructure, and economy,” Alebiosu said.
He added that Lagos is partnering with the Netherlands on coastal management and conducting surveys to track illegal dredging and erosion hotspots.
Despite the tension, the Commissioner stressed that the lagoon holds vast potential for transport, tourism, trade, and fisheries.
“The lagoon is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our economy, and our future,” he said. “This summit is a call to action for Lagosians, experts, and stakeholders to work together in protecting it before it is too late.”
