Youths in the Oworonshoki area have declared another blockage of the Third Mainland Bridge following the ongoing demolition of houses in their area by the Lagos State Government.
This was made known in a two sentence statement by the Oworonshoki Youth EXCOS obtained by The Eagle Online early on Monday.
This followed the continued demolition of houses categorised as not following laid down building procedures in the area.
According to the government, most of the houses were without the requisite building permits and blocking water channels, especially during rains.
The statement by the Oworonshoki Youth EXCOS was titled: “NOTICE! NOTICE!! NOTICE!!!”
It read: “Please for those that have planned to work tomorrow morning (Monday 27th October, 2025) be informed that you should plan your route inward island and inward mainland because Oworonshoki youths are planning to lockdown the THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE in respect to the protest against the Demolition going on In Oworonshoki community.
“Please be guided.”
The statement by the youths came as the Lagos State Government started paying compensations to those affected and a denial by the police on Sunday that residents were attacked during the ongoing demolitions.
Those enjoying the compensation were some communities demolished on September 6, 2025, which led to a protest and the temporary blockage of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Oladimeji Animashaun, Director-General of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), who supervised the exercise on Friday, said that 80 beneficiaries had so far been compensated.
Animashaun said: “We started the payment of compensation yesterday, and several residents have received their cheques.
“The total number of people being compensated is 80.
“This is proof that what Mr. Governor promised has been fulfilled.”
Animashaun appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support.
He also commended the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr, Abiodun Babatunde, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki.
He appreciated Babatunde and Oki for their coordination in the implementation of government policies effectively.
Responding to allegations that residents were not notified before the demolition, Animashaun said that the area had been designated a regeneration zone more than five years ago.
He said: “Government does not just move into an area without due notice.
“Many of these residents have known for years that their community falls under a regeneration plan.
“Some people deny knowledge, but due process was followed.”
He said the amount of compensation paid varied according to property type, ranging from N3 million to N5 million, while smaller structures such as kiosks and shanties received lower amounts.
He said: “Someone with a bungalow cannot get the same compensation as someone with a storey building.
“The payments were fair, and many residents were happy as they received their cheques.”
On government’s plan for the regenerated area, the LASURA boss said the aim was to create a well-planned, modern community with better living conditions.
Animashaun added: “Urban regeneration is about replacing unsafe environments with planned communities that meet modern standards.
“That is what the Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to achieving in Oworonshoki.”
Also speaking, Okanlawon Sanni, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe Constituency I, described the payment as a sign of Sanwo-Olu’s compassion and commitment to human-centred urban renewal.
Sanni said: “What we are witnessing today is not just about demolitions.
“It is about development with dignity.
“The affected residents are being duly compensated in line with the governor’s assurance that no one will suffer unjustly in the process of renewing Lagos.”
He commended LASURA for conducting the exercise in a transparent and humane manner.
He said the government’s plan was to transform Oworonshoki into a modern community with better housing, drainage, potable water, and accessible roads.
He appealed to affected residents to remain calm and cooperate with the government.
Sanni said: “I understand the emotions involved, but Lagos is growing and we must plan responsibly.
“The ultimate goal is to make Oworonshoki a place where families can live in safety and comfort.”
Some residents expressed satisfaction with the exercise.
Two beneficiaries: Chioma Idoko and Taiwo Solola, who received N200,000 each, appreciated the government’s kind gesture.
They said: “It’s better than nothing.
“We thank the Lagos State Government for the compensation.”
On the reports that armed officers attacked residents during the demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, the Lagos State Police Command said there is no truth in it.
The spokesperson of the Command and a Superintendent of Police, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Sunday described the reports as false and maliciously intended to mislead the public.
Adebisi clarified that police officers were deployed solely to maintain order during the Lagos State Government’s demolition with its Environmental and Special Offences Task Force.
She said police presence was strictly to prevent lawlessness, not to intimidate or assault residents, contrary to social media claims.
“At no time did any officer engage in violence, harassment or collaborate with hoodlums as falsely alleged,” she stated.
Adebisi added that the exercise followed due process, including months of notices to occupants and compensation payments to those affected.
She stressed that officers were instructed to act professionally, exercise restraint, and uphold respect for human rights and dignity.
“All allegations in the report are baseless, unfounded and false,” Adebisi emphasised, urging the public to disregard them completely.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, supporting lawful state actions, and promoting peace under Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh.
The Police Public Relations Officer urged residents to verify information before sharing and cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace and progress in Lagos.
In a related development, the police has assured residents of Lagos of their safety in view of the new statement issued by the Oworonshoki Youth EXCOS to again block the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday (today) morning.
In a statement she issued late on Sunday, Adebisi said: “The Lagos State Police Command is aware of information circulating regarding a planned disruption on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area.
“The Command wishes to assure the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order across the state.
“Our officers are fully deployed to ensure the safety of all road users and to prevent any form of obstruction or breach of the peace.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear and to cooperate with security personnel carrying out their duties.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property, and to ensuring the free flow of traffic across Lagos State.”
