FUNMI OSHODI:
This demolition is an emergency because we were not duly informed; they just said they’ve had stakeholders’ meeting, which we don’t know anything about. It is not that we are not happy about this project but this demolition is too much; it’s unbearable. My house is part of the building being demolished.
The government just said we should take a picture of the affected property and submit it to Adeboruwa palace within seven days. We don’t know their next line of action. Now, we don’t have a place to resettle, not even a temporary shelter to put our family members. I heard the road construction is six lane three on both sides. We like it but our compensation should be paid on time. I remember that when the government wanted to do this kind of project at Apogbon, they resettled the affected residents at an alternative location, which was Bank Olemoh, but that is not the case here now.
TOPE OLAJIDE:
We thank God for this road project that the Lagos State Government has brought to us. I’m equally happy for our king HRM, Oba Kasali Orimadegun because this is happening during his reign. We have been expecting this kind of development in Igbogbo many decades ago. Now that it is being provided, it is a thing of joy.
I pray that by the time the project is completed, we should be hale and healthy to enjoy it. We have been duly informed about the demolition. I only pray for God’s chosen destination for those affected. The demolition has also affected Adeboruwa palace; government should provide a befitting palace for us and make life comfortable for our King in whom we are all pleased. I’m imploring the State Government to continue in its development strides in Igbogbo.
MULIKA MABADEJE:
We want more of this developmental project in our community. We want everything to be going smoothly. Although, it might be painful now due to this ongoing demolition, I believe our future would be better. The Government should please pay the compensation on time to cushion our hardship and get us another accommodation. Sadly, what we were told was that this demolition would start by January, only to suddenly see this happening; they should, therefore, compensate us adequately and return joy into our families.
ADENIYI:
First and foremost, we are always hoping for a better development of this town of ours; hence, we are thankful to God and Lagos State Government for the development and progress we are about to witness here soon. We have been informed of this demolition for over a month now and the King’s palace was also affected. The King himself took a bold step by talking to us, assuring that we shall all be happy at the end of the day.
He also explained to us the process of government’s compensation to affected landlords. To me, the government should compensate the affected property owners on time. They should continue with the work and give us more laudable and durable infrastructural facilities in Igbogbo.
KAZEEM JOKOSANYA:
We were given seven days to pack our belongings out of our respective houses to allow this demolition to take place. We were assured that the government would compensate us but we don’t know how fast it is going to be. I’m happy about what is going on within our town because it’s a sign of development that a six lane road would be in Igbogbo. It means more progress and economic development.
OFFICER BOLARINWA KAMAL:
We have been given a week notice before the demolition and some of us have already demolished our affected buildings before the arrival of government officials, who were authorized to carry out the demolition. It is only those that were not prepared that were caught unawares. The road construction also affected my house. We thank God that there is no security challenge. In fact, the residents are happy and appreciative of the government.
YEMISI ODUNLAMI:
This project is highly welcome because civilization would be brought to this community. The residents of this town are very pleased with the State Government project as BRT lanes are part of the plan for the road construction. Residents were well informed about this ongoing demolition; therefore, there is no cause for alarm.
OWODUNNI FANIYI:
We are not happy with this massive demolition that is ongoing but there is nothing we can do about it. We have faith that the result would be fruitful. While some said they had been duly informed about this demolition, many claimed they were not informed. The Eleja Church members claimed ignorance of the demolition. The government should construct the road on time and ensure that the BRT lane they promised is added to the project because they said that is the reason many houses are being demolished.
- DONKUWU ADELEKE:
Well, we just received seven days’ notice to vacate our houses and bring our documents to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Alausa. Unfortunately, the State officials didn’t wait till the end of the seven days ultimatum before they started demolishing our properties. They should have given people at least a little chance to sort themselves out.