Residents of Otumara Community in Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland Local Council have staged a protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding immediate intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following the sudden appearance of police and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) officials in the area.
The officials marked houses and markets with red paint and crosses, with some areas reportedly bearing the inscription “TOTAL REMOVAL,” which has sparked outrage among residents.
The protesters sent a strongly worded letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu, decrying the actions. “These actions threaten our rights to dignity, shelter, and protection—a legacy upheld for over a century,” the letter read. The residents emphasized the need for inclusive development, in line with previous dialogues held with the government.
They warned that the sudden arrival of officials marked a move toward exclusion and “jungle justice.” “We demand immediate intervention to halt what we describe as a move towards exclusion and ‘jungle justice,’” the protesters stated.
The community has called on the Lagos State Government to address their concerns and engage in a more inclusive dialogue moving forward.