TIB Movement Slams Lagos Government Over Oworonshoki Demolitions, Demands Compensation and Resettlement

The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement has strongly condemned the Lagos State Government over the demolition of homes in Oworonshoki, Kosofe Local Government Area, accusing the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration of displacing thousands of poor and working-class residents under the guise of urban development.

In a statement issued by the group’s National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, TIB described the demolitions as “cruel, unjust, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights,” particularly the rights to shelter, dignity, and security.

The movement joined affected residents in a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge, denouncing what it termed as a state-backed land grab. The protest, which began on Sunday, saw displaced residents demanding an end to the forced evictions and destruction of their homes.

According to protesters, the government had previously instructed them to renovate their buildings — only for those same buildings to be demolished soon after. Many families are now homeless, children displaced, and sources of livelihood lost.

“This so-called development agenda is one that punishes and excludes the poor,” said Juwon. “Thousands have lost everything to these illegal demolitions. Some have lost their children. Others have died from the trauma.”

TIB accused the Lagos State Government of pushing a “Mega City Project” aimed at removing poor communities to make room for luxury estates and elite interests. The movement called it a deliberate erasure of the poor from the city.

“We reject the ongoing land grabbing in Oworonshoki,” the statement read. “Any development that excludes the masses is nothing short of a well-packaged fraud.”

The group also denounced the reported repression of peaceful demonstrators, calling on the government to respect citizens' rights to protest and defend their homes.

TIB issued a list of non-negotiable demands:

• An immediate halt to all demolition exercises in Oworonshoki,
• Adequate compensation and resettlement for displaced families,
• Accountability for all government officials and agencies involved in the operation.

“This is just a warning,” TIB stated. “If demolitions continue, a larger protest will follow.”

Earlier reports from SaharaReporters revealed that the demolitions began in the early hours of September 6, with security operatives allegedly using teargas against residents. Protesters were seen holding placards and chanting, vowing to "take back Oworonshoki."

The Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) also issued a scathing statement, labeling the demolition as “a crime against humanity.” According to OYF Secretary Opeyemi Ogunlami and PRO Towolawi Jamiu, the exercise is part of a wider campaign to displace low-income residents in favor of turning the area into an exclusive estate.

As calls for justice and accountability grow louder, the Lagos State Government has yet to issue a formal response to the widespread condemnation.

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