Features
Oworonshoki: Lagos begins compensation disbursement for demolition victims
Written By: Abdullahi Izuagbe
27 Oct 2025 10:09 AM
Oworonshoki, Lagos – The Lagos State Government has initiated the disbursement of compensation funds to residents of the Oworonshoki community in the Kosofe Local Government Area, whose homes were demolished as part of an urban renewal and flood mitigation project.
The move comes as a relief to affected families, with payments ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million, depending on the type and value of the properties impacted.
The compensation process, overseen by the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), began over the weekend, targeting verified and enumerated property owners.
According to LASURA Director General Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun, the agency has so far identified and compensated 80 beneficiaries, with disbursements starting on October 23 at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki.
The payments reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that no resident suffers unjustly during the regeneration process, a promise reiterated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.Beneficiaries expressed mixed emotions about the compensation.
Mrs. Ajimoh Oyenuga, one of the recipients, described the payment as a gesture of care, stating, “We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about our well-being.”
Similarly, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, whose house was demolished due to its proximity to unsafe waterlogged areas, appreciated the fulfillment of the governor’s pledge.
However, some residents, including those receiving lower amounts for makeshift structures like kiosks, voiced concerns that the compensation may not fully offset their losses.
The demolitions, which began on September 6, 2025, and prompted protests and a temporary blockage of the Third Mainland Bridge, were part of a broader strategy to improve housing, drainage systems, potable water, and road access in the flood-prone Oworonshoki area.
LASURA has emphasized that affected residents were notified years in advance, dismissing claims of inadequate communication and affirming that due process was followed.
The compensation amounts vary based on property type, with larger, verified structures eligible for up to ₦5 million, while smaller or informal buildings receive between ₦2 million and lesser sums.
The verification process, conducted by LASURA and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), aimed to establish legal ownership and assess damage, ensuring funds reach genuine victims.
As the disbursement continues, the government has pledged transparency and coordination, with officials like the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Abiodun Babatunde, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, overseeing the effort.
However, some community leaders and civil society groups have called for ongoing monitoring to prevent potential mismanagement or favoritism in the distribution process.
The move comes as a relief to affected families, with payments ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million, depending on the type and value of the properties impacted.
The compensation process, overseen by the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), began over the weekend, targeting verified and enumerated property owners.
According to LASURA Director General Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun, the agency has so far identified and compensated 80 beneficiaries, with disbursements starting on October 23 at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki.
The payments reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that no resident suffers unjustly during the regeneration process, a promise reiterated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.Beneficiaries expressed mixed emotions about the compensation.
Mrs. Ajimoh Oyenuga, one of the recipients, described the payment as a gesture of care, stating, “We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about our well-being.”
Similarly, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, whose house was demolished due to its proximity to unsafe waterlogged areas, appreciated the fulfillment of the governor’s pledge.
However, some residents, including those receiving lower amounts for makeshift structures like kiosks, voiced concerns that the compensation may not fully offset their losses.
The demolitions, which began on September 6, 2025, and prompted protests and a temporary blockage of the Third Mainland Bridge, were part of a broader strategy to improve housing, drainage systems, potable water, and road access in the flood-prone Oworonshoki area.
LASURA has emphasized that affected residents were notified years in advance, dismissing claims of inadequate communication and affirming that due process was followed.
The compensation amounts vary based on property type, with larger, verified structures eligible for up to ₦5 million, while smaller or informal buildings receive between ₦2 million and lesser sums.
The verification process, conducted by LASURA and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), aimed to establish legal ownership and assess damage, ensuring funds reach genuine victims.
As the disbursement continues, the government has pledged transparency and coordination, with officials like the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Abiodun Babatunde, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, overseeing the effort.
However, some community leaders and civil society groups have called for ongoing monitoring to prevent potential mismanagement or favoritism in the distribution process.
Comments