Singer Yemi Alade has criticized the Lagos State Government for the recent demolition of homes in Maryland, expressing concern that it leaves citizens homeless overnight and negatively impacts the real estate sector.
In a video shared on her Instagram account, the ‘Johnny’ crooner questioned the sense behind the government’s actions, highlighting the financial investments made by individuals into real estate, only to see their properties demolished suddenly. She lamented the recurring nature of such demolitions, particularly in areas like Maryland’s Mende district.
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, the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has explained the reason for the ongoing demolition of houses in Mende, Maryland and other parts of the state.
Meanwhile, Lagos State’s Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, provided clarification on the demolitions. He explained that the affected houses were constructed on drainage channels, obstructing the flow of rainwater.
Wahab detailed the government’s efforts to address the issue, including granting approvals with conditions to developers and providing alternatives to minimize disruptions. Despite these measures, enforcement actions were initiated due to non-compliance with regulations after repeated notices were issued to affected parties.