Unlawful Demolition in Isoko Community, Eti-Osa: Residents Cry Out, Seek President Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention
Residents of the Isoko Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene following an alleged unjust demolition of their homes and properties by government-linked agents. The community described the incident as a “commando-style invasion” that has left families homeless, traumatised, and seeking justice.
According to the residents, the demolition was carried out without fair hearing, due process, or proper explanation, despite their claims of lawful occupation backed by a valid 50-year lease agreement from the Ojomu family. Several community leaders insist that their documents, which span almost three decades of residence, had previously been verified by relevant authorities.
Losses, Assaults, and a Death
The community reported that the operation was executed with overwhelming force. Armed police officers and suspected thugs allegedly accompanied officials believed to be from the Lagos State Task Force and the Lagos State Building Control Agency.
During the invasion, the community’s chairman was allegedly physically assaulted, while buildings and businesses worth billions of naira were pulled down. Tragically, one resident, Mr. Gifts Ologbo, reportedly died from shock shortly after witnessing the destruction of his home and livelihood. Ologbo, a father of four, had invested his life savings into his property and business.
“It was like a war,” said 56-year-old resident Paul Irakpo, an indigene of Ikota from Delta State. “People were running helter-skelter. They came with mobile policemen firing gunshots into the air. Bulldozers started pulling down our homes right before our eyes. Fourteen landlords were affected. The elderly, widows—everyone has been thrown into anguish.”
Irakpo added that, shockingly, construction materials were allegedly brought in immediately after the demolition, raising suspicions of premeditated land takeover by undisclosed powerful interests.
Community: We Followed Due Process, But Authorities Ignored Us
Community leaders said they had complied with all requests from government agencies after demolition notices were pasted. They responded formally with their lease documents and sought to engage with the petitioners behind the complaints—but were never granted audience.
Mr. Clements Okeh, Secretary of the community, said all attempts to resolve the matter through civil engagement were ignored.
“We responded promptly to every notice and provided our lease agreement with the Ojomu family. We were told a petition was filed against us, but we were never shown the petitioner. Without any fair hearing, they stormed our community with armed men and demolished everything,” Okeh said in tears.
“Now our lives, properties, and decades of investment are gone. We are completely devastated.”
Ojomu Family Denies Involvement
The community maintained that they enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Ojomu family, the traditional landowners, and believe the demolition was not authorised by the family’s leadership. The Oba of Ojomu reportedly denied involvement, leading residents to suspect an internal land dispute or the involvement of external interests working with some government officials.
The Chairman of the Isoko Community, Mr. Lucky Ozero, insisted that the community's lease is still valid and that they have lived peacefully on the land since 1960. “We have paid our dues, followed the law, and maintained a harmonious relationship with our hosts. We do not understand the justification for this wickedness,” he lamented.
Appeal for Federal Government Intervention
The community’s lawyers, Rotimi Williams Chambers, have reached out to state authorities but, according to residents, have yet to receive any meaningful response explaining the reasons for the demolition.
“This injustice is too much to bear,” Okeh said. “We are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. We are Nigerians and law-abiding citizens. We did not encroach illegally; we have documents. Justice must prevail.”
The community has vowed to pursue the matter in court to reclaim their rights and clear the name of the Ojomu family, which they believe is being wrongfully dragged into the controversy.
As displaced residents continue to count their losses—ranging from property worth billions of naira to the painful death of a community member—they insist that they will not rest until the truth is uncovered and those responsible are held accountable.
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