By Muhammad Mamman
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly condemned the ongoing demolitions in Makoko, Lagos, accusing both the Lagos State Government and federal authorities of carrying out what she described as “state-sanctioned oppression” against poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
In a statement shared on social media, Ezekwesili decried the forced evictions and destruction of homes in the waterfront community, warning that the actions reflected a troubling disregard for human dignity and the rights of low-income citizens. She argued that development should not come at the expense of the poor, particularly when adequate resettlement and compensation plans are absent.
According to her, the Makoko demolitions expose a wider pattern of governance that prioritises elite interests over inclusive urban planning. She faulted authorities for failing to adopt humane and sustainable solutions, such as community upgrading and dialogue with residents, rather than resorting to what she called coercive measures.
Ezekwesili also criticised the silence of relevant federal institutions, insisting that the protection of citizens’ rights is a collective responsibility across all levels of government. She urged policymakers to urgently halt further demolitions and engage affected communities in meaningful consultations.
Makoko, a densely populated informal settlement along the Lagos Lagoon, has long been at the centre of debates over urban renewal, housing rights and social inequality. Rights groups have repeatedly warned that demolitions without proper safeguards risk worsening poverty and displacement in Africa’s largest city.
The Lagos State Government has yet to formally respond to Ezekwesili’s latest remarks, even as calls grow for a more inclusive and humane approach to urban development.
