On October 5, 2022, residents near Abiola Road and Onijemo in Ifako-Ijaiye local government area received a two-week evacuation notice. The reason was the upcoming construction of a link bridge.
This project aims to create an efficient bypass for traffic gridlocks, connecting College Road through Ajayi Street, Ogba, to Haruna/Obawole/Iju-Ishaga in Ifako-Ijaiye and Ojodu Local Government.
The construction of the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with the bridge began on October 24, 2022, starting with the demolition of houses along the road layout. The bridge and road works are currently at 62% completion, with piling works, pier caps, and abutment walls all finished.
Speaking to The Record, Mrs Oluwakemi Adekunle, a landlady whose house was demolished, mentioned that the Lagos State Government promised compensation but it has been a year after this promise was made and victims like her haven’t received anything.
Mrs Ofasonmun, a tenant, rebuilt her shop with personal funds after the demolition, as her landlady couldn’t assist without compensation.
Ojo Williams* speaking anonymously to The Record, emphasized the positive impact of the road on the community, mentioning the long-standing struggles with the existing wooden bridge to Obawole.
Williams disclosed that certain landlords in the area are raising rents because of the link bridge construction.
“They know that this new project will favour them despite the destruction of most of their homes,” the resident revealed.
However, the Lagos State Government has refuted withholding compensation, stating they are still in the process of disbursing funds.
An anonymous official from the Lands Bureau disclosed that affected residents need to provide identification and fill out forms for proof of ownership.
“After paperwork and verification, compensation will be given accordingly,” he said.
This statement was confirmed by the Record when our correspondent visited the Lands Bureau and found a host of affected residents at the department of acquisition, revocation, and compensation, filing paperwork to receive their remuneration.
Mrs Shina Adeyinka*, now residing in Mowe due to the destruction of her house on Onijemo street, expressed hope for government assistance.
“My house was a storey building on Onijemo street, the whole building was destroyed. This is my third time here and they told us to bring some more documents,” the affected resident told The Record.
There is a rising number of affected individuals seeking compensation from the Lagos State Government due to the demolition of their properties for various infrastructure projects across the state.
In 2022, the State government compensated residents with five hundred million naira for the properties affected during the construction of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo, Ikorodu.
Despite reported payment initiation, only a few have received compensation, leaving many without any remuneration.
In 2020, shops were demolished for the Ikotun Roundabout expansion in Alimosho Local Government Area. Three years later, affected shop owners and traders, who completed the necessary paperwork, are still waiting for promised compensation.
“Some shops were destroyed in the area during the #EndSARS protest that took place later that year and the state government was quick to renovate them, but we have yet to get compensated for the demolition of our shops which they promised to,” an aggrieved trader, Innocent Umeze had told The Punch.
*Name changed to protect source’s identity.
