TheCable

Residents of Magodo Phase II in Lagos state have raised concerns over “unauthorised access” to the wetlands around the estate.

The residents said land speculators and developers are keen on building the wetland and “making an incursion” through the estate.

During a press briefing on Thursday, the residents said the development is a direct threat to the “environment, safety and security” of the community.

Sheriff Daramola, chairman of the Magodo Residents Association (MRA), said the “illegal encroachment” on the wetland is allegedly backed by Oluyinka Olumide, the commissioner for physical planning.

He said residents of the estate have experienced multiple cases of vandalisation of vehicles and criminal activities as a result of exposure to the wetland by land speculators and developers in the last six months.

Daramola called on Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, to intervene, adding that the state government should desist from any plan to build link roads to the wetland through the Magodo Phase II estate.

“Mr. Governor, sir, we have those that are warming up to distort and destroy the peace and harmony we enjoy in Magodo Phase II; to add to the security concerns in the estate and Lagos state by forcefully planning to access the wetland through Magodo Phase II despite alternative routes listed outside Magodo Phase II. Accessing the wetland through Magodo Phase II shall create further damage and shall be colossal,” he said.

Daramola asked the governor to “forestall the breakdown of law and order in the estate and the state, which some people aided by the commissioner for physical planning, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide; and the chairperson of Ikosi Isheri local government, Mrs Samiat Abolanle Bada; who are top Lagos state government functionaries, appear set to ignite for reasons best known to them”.

Francisco Abosede, a former Lagos commissioner of physical planning & urban development, said the wetland was never meant to be developed as a residential area.

“The nature of the soil is not conducive for what they want to build. In the course of our interaction, we have looked at the master plan prepared by Lagos state by their consultants,” Abosede, who is also a resident, said.

“The wetland amongst other ecological benefits served as a natural storm collector and flood control container for all stormwater from Agidingbi, Ikeja, Ogba, Alausa, as it had also shielded Magodo from soil erosion, flooding and flood-related diseases and disasters over the decades.”