The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has dismissed claims that the ministry demanded ₦1 billion, later reduced to ₦700 million, from property owners at Oral Estate, Ikota, to stop the demolition of illegal structures.
The denial follows a viral video in which a woman alleged that Commissioner Wahab and ministry officials agreed to suspend demolition works in exchange for the payment related to “shit piling” on the estate.
In the video, the woman said,
“Thank God for today. We have peace of mind. We’re not hearing an excavator tearing people’s houses down, people crying. The Commissioner, Ministry of Environment came and we had an agreement that my estate is going to pay ₦1 billion for shit piling. It ended in ₦700 million. My estate is trying to gather the money and give them this month.”
However, in an official statement released via his social media platforms on Sunday, Wahab categorically denied the allegations.
“Neither I nor any official from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has requested or received any payment, whether ₦1 billion, ₦700 million, or a single kobo, from any property owner,” he said.
The commissioner described the video as a malicious attempt to discredit the government and distract from ongoing efforts to safeguard Lagos residents from flooding.
He emphasized that the ministry’s operation to clear illegal obstructions along drainage channels and canals is crucial for public safety and has not been suspended for any negotiations or payments.
“Our work continues. This propaganda is a dangerous distraction from our critical mission to prevent flooding and protect the majority of Lagosians,” Wahab stated.
The ministry also warned residents against engaging intermediaries or making payments to halt lawful enforcement actions.
In response to the controversy, Wahab announced that legal action will be taken against the individual responsible for the false claims, who will be required to present evidence to authorities.
Meanwhile, government teams have intensified demolition of illegal structures within river setbacks and drainage corridors in Ikota and neighboring estates to mitigate recurring seasonal flooding.
