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There’s a better way to do things – Yemi Alade slams Lagos over demolition of houses
Nigerian artist Yemi Alade has raised questions about the ongoing demolition of houses and structures across Lagos State.
Expressing her concerns via a video posted on her Instagram Story on Sunday, May 5, 2024, Alade highlighted the potential adverse effects of the demolition on the real estate value of the country.
Her remarks came in response to the recent demolition of houses in the Mende, Maryland, area on Sunday morning. Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources carried out the demolition, targeting buildings obstructing a drainage channel.
Reports suggest that some occupants of the affected buildings were served with vacation notices only two hours before the demolition. However, the ministry’s commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, maintained that adequate warning had been provided in advance.
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Recently, the Lagos state government has ramped up its efforts to eradicate structures illegally erected on water channels and other unauthorized locations throughout the state.
This crackdown, initiated last year, has impacted residences in estates on the Island and various other areas within the state. Additionally, structures housing businesses have been demolished as part of the process.
Yemi Alade has voiced her concerns regarding the potential ramifications of this exercise, not just on the real estate value within the state but also on a national scale.
Expressing sorrow over the losses endured by owners of the demolished properties, she questioned why the government couldn’t explore alternative solutions to avoid resorting to property demolitions.
“Lagos State what’s going on? what’s going on? Does it make sense that people will invest millions of naira, millions of dollars into real estate, buying houses, buying land and Lagos State would go and be breaking walls breaking houses, rendering people homeless overnight.
“And it’s done serially. It’s done back to back. Right now, Maryland, Mende area is on fire. People are sleeping in their houses, waking up the next day homeless.
“You’re ruining the real estate value of the country, ruining the real estate value of the Lagos. Making people lose trust not only just in the idea of Nigeria but lose hope entirely in the little coin they’ve saved to make their lives worthwhile. To create some kind of generational wealth.
“How is this okay? And why? Does it make sense? Multi-million dollar houses, there is a better way to do things,” she said.