Ajah, Lagos – Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development Agency (LASPUDA) officials are facing strong opposition from residents of the Okun Ajah community, who took to the streets on Thursday to protest what they consider an unjust expansion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road right-of-way. The protest, organized by local property owners, follows claims that LASPUDA is marking properties for demolition, including some located well outside the originally approved road alignment.
The protesters, armed with legal documents such as Certificates of Occupancy and survey plans from the administration of former Governor Bola Tinubu, insist that their properties fall outside the delineated coastal road boundary. They argue that they have adhered strictly to the government-sanctioned guidelines, only developing land within the boundaries set forth by the state.
One protester, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed deep frustration at the ongoing actions of LASPUDA officials. “It’s disheartening to see officials marking properties for demolition that are clearly outside the original right-of-way,” the protester remarked. “We have always respected the boundaries set by the government and have ensured no development encroaches on the road.”
For the residents of Okun Ajah, the prospect of their homes and businesses being marked for demolition is not only a source of emotional distress but also financial strain. The expansion of the road, they fear, could lead to widespread displacement, costing property owners their homes and businesses. The local community is now calling on both the Federal and Lagos State governments to step in and investigate the situation thoroughly, ensuring that their rights and livelihoods are protected.
With many of the affected property owners possessing legal documents approved by the government, the community is particularly concerned that any departure from the original road alignment could result in legal disputes and unnecessary delays. They are adamant that the project should proceed according to the original, legally approved boundaries to avoid inflating costs or creating chaos in the area.
As the protests continue, the people of Okun Ajah are urging authorities to address their concerns swiftly and to guarantee that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project is carried out in a fair, transparent, and respectful manner. The residents believe that this approach will not only protect their properties but also ensure that the infrastructure project moves forward without further disruption.
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