Ilaje Group Petitions Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Illegal Demolition of Otumara Community

Ilaje Group Petitions Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Illegal Demolition of Otumara Community

The Lagos State Council of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide has petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the alleged illegal demolition of Ilaje Otumara community in Ebute Metta and threats of further demolitions in other Ilaje settlements across Lagos.

In a strongly worded petition dated August 18, 2025, and signed by the President-General of the group, Prince Iwamitigha R. Irowainu, the Ilaje community accused prominent individuals and government officials of orchestrating the demolition. Those named include the Oloto of Otto, Oba Bashiru Abisoye Odesanya; Mr. Toyin Williams Tomori; Mr. Sodiq Aromire; Mr. Gbolahan Oki, former General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA); Dr. Olajide Abiodun, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Physical Planning and Urban Development; and Mr. Animasahun Oladimeji, General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA).

The petitioners alleged that despite a pending court case over ownership of the land, armed police officers, thugs, and officials invaded the community between March 7 and 10, 2025, and demolished buildings. The land in question is reportedly the subject of two suits before the Lagos High Court, Yaba, involving the Oloto ruling house and the Arowojolu family of Otumara.

Historical Claims

Tracing their roots, the petitioners emphasized that the Ilaje are descendants of Ife royalty whose ancestors migrated to Lagos in the 17th and 18th centuries. According to them, the late Pa Emmanuel Otofen Arowojolu founded Otumara community in the early 1920s after settling in the area known then as Igbo Aiwo (Forbidden Forest). They insisted that Otumara was never leased or granted by the Oloto ruling house but was an autonomous settlement established by their forefathers.

Route to the Demolition

The Ilaje group said the crisis began on February 11, 2025, when Mr. Oki, then LASBCA General Manager, visited the community with armed policemen and ordered residents to vacate within three days. A protest staged by residents at Alausa the following day reportedly drew assurances from government representatives that no demolition had been approved.

However, on February 18, the petition alleged, Dr. Abiodun and Mr. Oki returned with police officers and thugs to threaten residents again, instructing them to approach Oba Odesanya if they wanted the demolition to be halted.

Despite the assurances and ongoing litigation, the petitioners claimed, the community was eventually demolished in March.

Demands

The Ilaje group is demanding:

1. Immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the demolition.
2. Prevention of further encroachment on Otumara land by the Oloto ruling house and its associates.
3. Adequate compensation for victims of the demolition.
4. Security protection for Ilaje communities across Lagos.
5. Recognition of the Ilaje people as bona fide indigenes of Lagos State.

The petitioners warned that if government fails to protect their lives and properties, they may be left with no choice but to defend themselves.

As at press time, the Lagos State Government had yet to issue an official response to the petition.