“Lagos Housing Crisis: Jakande Estate Residents Demand Alternatives Before Demolition”
Residents of the Jakande Housing Estate in Lagos, also known as Dolphin Estate, are standing their ground against the Lagos State Government’s plans to demolish their homes. This comes after officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) marked their houses as “distressed,” signaling potential demolition. The residents, who own homes in phases I-IV of the estate, have vowed to resist what they view as an unlawful action that disregards both their legal rights and the ongoing legal battle.
The residents have expressed frustration, particularly over the fact that the government’s actions seem to run counter to court proceedings already in place. They argue that the government’s actions could be seen as contempt of court, given the ongoing legal challenges related to the proposed demolitions.
“We Have Lived Here for Over 40 Years”: Residents Speak Out
Longtime residents, many of whom have lived in the estate for over four decades, are frustrated by what they perceive as government harassment. One resident, Mr. Kola Bello, spoke to SaharaReporters about the forms they were asked to fill out by the government. “We moved into this area over 40 years ago, and we’ve lived here peacefully. But now, it’s like the government is trying to take over our property,” Bello said, stressing that despite having full ownership documents, including deeds of sublease, the government seems determined to push forward with its demolition plans.
Bello detailed how the government asked residents to fill out forms that lacked clear identification or official labeling, raising concerns about their authenticity. He described how government officials later came to the estate and marked the homes as “distressed” without providing a clear reason. “There’s nothing wrong with our buildings,” he insisted. “We’ve paid fully for these houses. This is our home.”
Disputed Claims and Demand for Fair Compensation
The residents are also pushing back against the government’s justification for marking their homes as “distressed.” While LASBCA has not given specific reasons for the labels, residents believe the government’s actions are driven by a desire to dissuade potential buyers from purchasing homes in the estate. “They told us they are not demolishing the buildings yet but wanted to prevent some people from selling their houses. That’s wrong,” Bello explained, emphasizing that residents should be free to buy and sell property as they wish.
The residents are calling on the government to honor their entitlements, including providing alternative housing during any reconstruction. “If the government wants to rebuild the estate, we are open to that, but they must provide us with a place to stay while it’s being done,” Bello added. “We will not allow them to take over our property without a fair arrangement.”
A Growing Tension Over the Future of the Estate
The situation has escalated with the involvement of several residents who have made their voices heard. Erotola Joseph, another resident who has lived in the estate since 1983, echoed the sentiments of many when he expressed disbelief over the government’s decision to mark his well-maintained, recently repainted home as “distressed.” “It’s embarrassing,” Joseph said, pointing out that the government had previously promised not to demolish the estate suddenly and had agreed to find an alternative home for residents before any move was made.
Ashabi, a female resident who has lived in the estate for 40 years, is also deeply concerned. “They can’t just demolish these buildings. We’re not owing anyone. Before they demolish, they must provide us with somewhere else to live. And it’s not going to be Ikorodu. We don’t know anyone there, and we don’t want to go,” she said, passionately defending the right of the estate’s residents to live without fear of displacement.
Government Must Uphold Promises, Residents Insist
For the residents, the issue is not just about property; it’s about their right to live peacefully in the homes they’ve invested in. Many view the government’s actions as a violation of the promises made to them, especially since the estate was originally developed under former Governor Jakande’s administration in the 1980s. “Jakande spent four years building this place for us. The buildings are strong and well-maintained. The government must not demolish them,” Ashabi declared.
The residents are now calling on the Lagos State Government to respect their legal rights and uphold promises made during previous meetings, including providing alternative housing before any demolitions take place. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the mounting resistance from the Jakande Estate community.