The South West Professional Forum (SOWPROF) has asserted that the majority of illegal structures demolished in Lagos belonged to the Yoruba community.
Chief Segun Ajibulu, the President of SOWPROF, conveyed this stance in a statement provided to journalists by Lateef Kayode, the group’s Assistant General Secretary.
Addressing concerns that the demolition may be targeting a specific group, SOWPROF emphasized that their thorough investigations revealed that about 80 percent of the victims were from the southwest region.
The group denounced efforts to ethnicize the environmental issue, labeling it as self-serving.
SOWPROF expressed disappointment that ethnic politics is being injected into the Lagos State Government’s efforts to address severe environmental hazards leading to flooding and fatalities.
The group urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not to be swayed by parochial criticisms and the introduction of ethnic politics into what they consider a purely environmental matter.
According to SOWPROF, they initiated the compilation of landlords’ names five months ago, making the information about the owners of the demolished buildings available to the public.
They highlighted that the demolition of illegal structures is a nationwide problem, citing instances in Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, and Anambra states.
The group urged critics to recall similar actions taken by other state governments, such as the demolition directed by the then Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, in 2022. SOWPROF also cited instances in Enugu and Abia where demolitions occurred to enforce urban planning and prevent environmental hazards.
In addition to addressing the specific situation in Lagos, SOWPROF called on investors to verify the legal status of land or property before making investments.
They urged state governments to reform the Land Ministry, alleging corruption within its ranks. SOWPROF criticized the practice of allowing individuals to develop land for extended periods only to face demolition later, after substantial financial investments have been made.