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The Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims wishes to alert the general public and relevant authorities to the ongoing charade being carried out under the guise of “compensation” for the victims of the Oworonshoki demolition.
This propaganda stunt was carried out yesterday 24th October, 2025 at the Palace of the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu.
In a release jointly signed by Comrade Olarewaju Olusegun and Adewale Ogunnusi for the Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims said,
“What is being promoted as a relief or compensation exercise by the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) is, in truth, a propaganda campaign and an act of bribery — a deliberate attempt to silence genuine victims and create a false impression of government care.”
The statement continued that “In a video interview available to us, the General Manager of LASURA, Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun, admitted that only 79 persons have been shortlisted — out of over 10,000 affected residents. This shocking revelation confirms that the so-called compensation process is fraudulent, selective, and grossly inadequate.
“Even more troubling, there is clear video and picture evidence showing Mr. Oladimeji Animashaun personally presenting FCMB manager’s cheques to loyalists of the Oba of Oworonshoki — namely Sese and Silifa Iya Agan — both of whom were not affected by the demolition.
The source of these funds remains unknown, as the cheques do not bear the name of the Lagos State Government or any other identifiable official source. This raises serious questions about the genuiness of the exercise, where the money came from and for what purpose it is being used.
“As a result, the real victims of the demolition have distanced themselves from the entire exercise, describing it as non-transparent, misleading, and politically motivated. Many have refused to participate, insisting that no genuine enumeration or verification of victims has been conducted.
“This entire process, coordinated by LASURA in connivance with the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu appears to be a calculated attempt to pacify a few individuals while thousands of genuine victims remain displaced, impoverished, and abandoned.
“We, the victims, reject this mockery of justice. What we demand is real and adequate compensation, not staged photo opportunities or untraceable financial gestures meant to deceive the public.”
According to the coalition, the victims of the residents are clear, “Our demands are clear: they include “Immediate suspension of all fraudulent and selective compensation exercises being carried out in Oworonshoki.
“A transparent and comprehensive enumeration process covering all affected victims to ensure fairness and accountability.
“An independent investigation into the activities of LASURA officials, the source of the cheques, and others involved in this deceitful process.
“Adequate and just compensation for all victims whose homes, shops, and livelihoods were destroyed.”
The coalition also called on the Lagos State government and civil society organisations to consider the plight of the affected families. “We call on the Lagos State Government, civil society organizations, and the general public to stand with the victims in demanding justice, transparency, and fairness.
“The people of Oworonshoki will not be silenced, intimidated, or deceived by propaganda. Our struggle continues — for truth, dignity, and justice.
On the other hand, a resident who wishes to be anonymous wondered “why should Lagos State send it’s task force ahead to attack a vulnerable community in the night in the name of enforcement? It was on radio Nigeria 1 I heard on Saturday on their 11am news bulletin that the court had ordered them to stop demolition at Oworo but by evening the bulldozers came in with thugs to invade the community.
“You can ask Radio Nigeria 1, 103.5fm for the recording, it can’t be denied. This is a democracy and some of these impunities should not be happening brazenly,” he lamented.
It would be recalled that two years ago, parts of Oworonshoki experienced massive demolition that threw residents who had occupied the area for decades into panic.
Just last weekend, the caterpillars resumed and left destruction in their trail. Residents are left with the remains of their buildings which were standing a few days before.
