Fact Check: Mende Demolition Controversy (What you should know)

Contrary to claims by building occupants of demolished buildings in Mende Maryland, Lagos that they were just given 2 hours to vacate

Here is the fact, the structures in Mende, Maryland, Lagos has marked for demolition or been slated for removal since 2022. In September 2022, news outlets, including TrustTv News and Channels Television, reported that the Lagos State Government planned to demolish marked structures in Mende and Aboru due to flooding concerns.

It could be recall that, on September 15, 2022, nine people were rescued from a sinking building at 45, Akinyemi Street, Akinwunmi Estate, Mende, Maryland, Lagos. 

The government’s decision to demolish the marked structures has sparked controversy, with some, like popular singer Yemi Alade, criticizing the move as exacerbating the plight of citizens by leaving them homeless.

However, it is essential to note that the demolition plans have been in place since 2022, and occupants were likely aware of the impending demolition. 

The government’s actions may have been aimed at preventing further disasters like the sinking building incident in 2022.”

Popular singer Yemi Alade condemned the Lagos State Government following the recent demolition of several houses in Maryland.

Expressing her dismay, the ‘Johnny’ crooner criticized the government’s actions, stating that they are exacerbating the plight of citizens by rendering them homeless overnight.

Alade also lamented the adverse impact of the ongoing demolitions on the real estate sector, asserting that they are driving away potential investors and contributing to a negative perception of the state’s development.

In a video message shared via her Instagram account, Yemi Alade said: “Lagos State, what’s going on? Does it make sense that people will invest millions of naira and dollars into real estate; buy houses and lands and the state government will demolish the place and render people homeless overnight?

“This thing is happening repeatedly. 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 state and country, making people lose trust not only just in the idea of Nigeria but lose hope entirely in the little coins they saved to make their lives worthwhile. How is this okay? Why why?”

Meanwhile. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources for Lagos State, provided insight into the ongoing demolition of houses in Mende, Maryland, and other areas of the state.

Wahab explained that the houses currently undergoing demolition were constructed on drainage channels.

On his X handle, Wahab wrote: “We also visited Mende Villa, Maryland where the Developer initially claimed there was a drainage approval on the property.

The Directors who were in the know of what transpired at the time, were invited to speak on the issue but confirmed that the Developer was given temporary and conditional approval to leave a 20m setback from the edge of System 1 but he encroached on the setback thereby obstructing the flow of rainwater.