Residents of Otto-Ilogbo and Otumara communities of the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area have petitioned the state government with a view to averting possible demolition of their properties.
The Lagos government has signified intention to develop the neighbourhood into a modern urban setting.
Recently, the state’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, disclosed an elaborate plan to regenerate Otto and Otumara slum communities in line with the development agenda of the state.
The plan will upgrade the communities with socio-economic amenities such as hospitals/clinics, schools, markets, water among others.
The residents are however apprehensive as they claimed they have not been carried along by the state government.
The residents, through a petition put together for them by a civil society group, Spaces for Change and addressed to Salako, urged the government to put human face to the proposed regeneration.
“We are the legal representatives of the residents of Otto-Ilogbo and Otumara communities of the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Community’) on whose behalf and instructions we write this letter.
“We have seen the recent public notice of your ministry, published on the state government’s website on the May 7, 2021, announcing that the Governor of the State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given approval for the regeneration of Otto and Otumara communities in accordance with the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda in order to create a micro city with better urban aesthetics and vibrancy.
“While this regeneration plan is laudable and timely, the target communities fear that gentrification, demolition and displacement are usually occasioned by this kind of development. The communities are however ready to support this laudable initiative with the hope that it will lead to major improvements in their social, economic and living conditions.
“In light of the above, we are requesting for a chance (to) collaborate with your office on the execution of the commendable project particularly in ensuring that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the dwellers in these communities are not breached while also taking the intention of this distinct administration beyond making Lagos into a mega city to making Lagos into a just city,” the letter reads.
The residents asked for a meeting with the commissioner and other stakeholders concerned with the regeneration project.
