De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a prominent group representing Lagos State indigenes, has called on the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to pause the planned relocation of residents from the Adeniji-Adele Housing Scheme on Lagos Island.
The group insists that adequate arrangements must be made before any displacement occurs, citing concerns over past experiences where similar government policies led to the displacement of indigenes without proper rehousing.
In a strongly-worded letter titled “The Relocation and Reconstruction of Lagos Island Community,” dated May 20, 2024, and signed by the Foundation’s President, Prince Adelani Adeniji-Adele, and Secretary General, Mr. Yomi Tokosi, the group outlined their concerns.
They emphasized the need for a “temporary relocation and reconstruction” plan.
This would ensure that after the demolition and reconstruction, residents are returned to their modernized homes at no cost.
The letter, which was couriered to Governor Sanwo-Olu and acknowledged on May 22, 2024, expressed the group’s insistence on knowing the specifics of the relocation plan.
“We want to know how and where you are relocating the people to and the nature of the relocation you plan to do,” the letter stated.
The group fears that without clear and temporary relocation plans, the move might be perceived as an effort to permanently displace the residents from their ancestral lands.
The letter also referenced statements made by Dr. Olatunji Babajide, the Governor’s Special Adviser on E-GIS, highlighting the issue of waterlogging as a reason for the relocation.
De Renaissance Patriots expressed skepticism about this rationale, pointing out that waterlogging and drainage issues in Lagos Island are long-standing problems.
They called for transparency and requested detailed impact assessment reports, particularly concerning the effects of the Ilubirin housing estates and related dredging activities.
The Foundation’s leaders highlighted several key concerns: Temporary Relocation: They insist on a clear plan ensuring that residents are temporarily relocated within Lagos Island and returned to modernized homes post-reconstruction.
On transparency, the group advocated the need for involving indigenous groups in the process to prevent perceived displacement.
On Waterlogging and Drainage Issues, the group demand clarification on the drainage problems and the overall impact of ongoing developments on Lagos Island’s flood management.
On demographic changes, the group warns against potential demographic shifts that could disadvantage indigenous residents, referring to fears of “genocide by immigration.”
The letter also drew on cultural references, citing a song by Ayinde Barrister to underscore the deep connection of the indigenes to their land.
“Land is as important to man as it is to trees,” the letter quoted, stressing the community’s determination to protect their rights.
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