Residents of Ajiwe, Ajah, are urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to halt demolitions for Lagos Airport projects until compensation is paid.
They say valid property titles were ignored, and earlier government promises remain unfulfilled.
Residents and property owners in Ajiwe, a community in Ajah, Lagos State, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to suspend the demolition of their buildings until they are properly compensated.
The affected residents said their properties are marked for demolition to pave the way for the Gas Link pipeline and Green Line Rail projects part of the infrastructure planned to support the new Lagos Airport in Ibeju-Lekki.
Over the weekend, landlords and tenants staged a peaceful protest along the Abraham Adesanya expressway, carrying placards with messages such as “No demolition without compensation,” and “Respect our rights.”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Kehinde Alakoso acknowledged that the projects serve the public interest, but urged the government to consider the social and economic effects on the community.
“We’ve sent letters to the governor and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide,” Alakoso said. “Even after meeting with the commissioner in April 2025 where we were promised compensation, nothing concrete has happened.”
He noted that since work began on the pipeline in November 2024, many businesses have been affected due to blocked access points, while property owners live in constant fear of losing their homes.
“These properties were acquired legally, with valid title documents,” Alakoso added. “Yes, the law allows the government to acquire land for public use but only if compensation is paid. We’re simply asking the state to do what is fair.”
Ahmed Ajanaku, General Secretary of the Odugbese Ajereongbe Chieftaincy family and a representative of the Ajiwe landlords, said earlier promises made at a stakeholders’ meeting at Swiss Hotel in VGC have not been fulfilled.
Another tenant, Prince Olanshile Mogaji who has lived in Top Notch Plaza since 2004 appealed to the government to follow due process and treat affected residents with respect.
