The Lagos State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to residents of Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area whose homes were recently demolished as part of the state’s urban regeneration initiative.
The payment exercise, organized by the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), began on Thursday, October 23, at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki, with the presence of community leaders, officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and representatives from civil society groups.
LASURA’s Director-General, Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun, who supervised the process, confirmed that 80 verified property owners had received their compensation as of Friday.
“We started the payment of compensation yesterday, and several residents have already collected their cheques,” Animashaun said.
“The total number of people being compensated is 80. This is proof that Mr. Governor has fulfilled his promise.”
According to Animashaun, the payments were coordinated with the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside Dr. Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, and Mr. Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development.
Addressing complaints that residents were not notified before the demolition, Animashaun stressed that the Oworonshoki area had been officially designated as a regeneration zone for over five years.
“Government does not just move into a community without prior notice,” he said.
“The residents were informed long ago. Some people deny knowledge, but due process was fully followed.”
He added that the compensation amounts varied depending on property type, ranging from ₦3 million to ₦5 million for permanent structures and smaller sums for kiosks or makeshift buildings.
“Someone with a bungalow cannot receive the same payment as a person with a storey building,” he explained.
“The payments were fair, and many beneficiaries left with smiles on their faces.”
The LASURA chief noted that the cleared area would be redeveloped into a modern, well-planned neighbourhood with improved infrastructure and amenities.
“Urban regeneration is about replacing unsafe environments with livable, planned communities that meet modern standards,” Animashaun said.
“That’s what the Sanwo-Olu administration is doing in Oworonshoki.”
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Okanlawon Sanni, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe Constituency I, described the compensation exercise as a reflection of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to humane governance.
“What we are seeing today is not just about demolitions; it is about development with dignity,” Sanni said.
“The affected residents are being compensated, as promised, to ensure that no one suffers unfairly in the process of renewing Lagos.”
Sanni added that the Oworonshoki regeneration plan includes new housing, improved drainage systems, potable water supply, and accessible roads, all aimed at transforming the area into a model urban community.
He urged affected residents to remain patient and cooperative, assuring them that the government’s actions were in the public interest.
“I understand the emotions involved, but Lagos is expanding, and we must manage our growth responsibly,” he said.
“The goal is to make Oworonshoki a place where families can live safely and comfortably.”
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the government’s gesture.
Chioma Idoko and Taiwo Solola, who each received ₦200,000, described the payments as a welcome relief.
“It’s not much, but it’s something,” said Idoko. “At least the government acknowledged our loss.”
The Lagos State Government says the compensation programme will continue as additional verified property owners are confirmed.
