The Labour Party in Lagos State has criticised the state government over shanty demolitions in Oko-Baba and Aiyetoro areas of Ebute-Metta.
The government recently demolished shanties in the two communities as part of its urban development and regeneration agenda.
According to global human rights body, Amnesty International, over 3,000 people were rendered homeless at Aiyetoro alone.
In a statement, LP’s chairman, Dayo Ekong, express worry over the demolitions, saying that it is not only a crisis for the displaced individuals but for Lagos.
She said: “Labour Party Lagos State is deeply troubled by the recent demolition exercise undertaken by the Lagos State Government in the Oko Baba and Ayetoro communities of Ebute Metta.
“The forced eviction of hundreds of residents without adequate notice, provision for relocation, or compensation has once again highlighted the inhumane approach the state government continues to adopt in managing urban development.
“This is not an isolated incident. Only a few months ago, we witnessed similar demolitions in the Kosofe Local Government Area, where families were torn apart and livelihoods destroyed without any meaningful intervention to mitigate the humanitarian disaster that ensued.
“The government’s continued disregard for the well-being of its citizens not only violates their rights but also erodes the social fabric of our communities. The mass displacement of residents in Oko Baba and Ayetoro has left thousands homeless, with no shelter, food, or basic amenities. This is not just a crisis for the displaced individuals but for Lagos as a whole.”
Ekong noted that when communities are uprooted without a plan for relocation, it creates a ripple effect of social and economic instability, which impact negatively, more especially on children.
“Children, in particular, bear the brunt of these actions—forced out of schools, left without stable homes, and pushed into precarious situations that endanger their futures. The absence of social safety nets in Lagos State has worsened this crisis.
“We must ask ourselves: what kind of society are we building when we allow entire communities to be destroyed without any provisions for their recovery? When families are displaced, it tears the very fabric of society, and the ripple effect can be seen in increased poverty, crime, and social unrest.
“It is only a matter of time before this cycle of displacement and destruction creates a wider humanitarian disaster across the state,” she stated.
The LP chair said it is even more disheartening that while the government engages in demolition of waterfront communities, several government housing schemes across the state, originally built to alleviate the housing crisis, remain out of reach for the average Lagosian.
She argued that if these schemes had been properly implemented and were made affordable and accessible, there would be a reduction in humanitarian crises being created by forced evictions.
Ekong said: “The government’s actions raise critical questions: Why are available government housing schemes not being utilized to provide shelter for displaced citizens? Why is there no concerted effort to create affordable housing for low-income families, who are often the ones most affected by these demolition exercises?
“The Labour Party calls for immediate action to address the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Lagos State. Urban development and infrastructure improvements are essential, but they must not come at the cost of human dignity. There must be a balance between progress and the protection of vulnerable communities.”
She urged the government to provide immediate relief materials, including shelter, food, and medical care, to the displaced residents of Oko Baba, Aiyetoro, and other affected communities.
Ekong also called for robust social safety nets; utilization of existing and underutilized housing schemes; community engagement in urban development; and long-term housing policy in the state.
“As a state, we cannot continue to develop at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens. The demolitions in Oko Baba, Ayetoro, and Kosofe have shown us the painful consequences of development without compassion. If we continue on this path, we risk creating a society where only the wealthy thrive, while the poor and marginalized are left to fend for themselves.
“The Labour Party stands with the displaced communities and calls for a Lagos State that is built on fairness, inclusion, and compassion. We cannot allow progress to come at the cost of our humanity,” she added.