Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has vehemently condemned the Lagos State Government over the demolition of structures in the Makoko area, describing the action as an abuse of authority. In a memorandum to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, she labeled the operations “inhumane” and accused the state of “class cleansing” to remove poor communities from valuable waterfronts.
Ezekwesili asserted that the government had widened the demolition scope beyond an initial safety agreement with residents, stating, “A government that alters agreed conditions mid-operation and widens demolition boundaries without notice is not enforcing the law but abusing its authority.” She warned the demolitions have created a humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and disrupting lives.