The situation facing the Isoko Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State is deeply troubling. What began as a routine day suddenly turned into a forceful and destructive operation, allegedly involving certain government-linked actors whose conduct raises serious concerns and demands an urgent, independent investigation.
Our Correspondent maintains that every Lagos resident—indigenous or otherwise—is a stakeholder in building the Lagos State of our collective dreams. That dream can only stand on the pillars of fairness, justice, and equity. When those values collapse, our shared vision becomes meaningless.
A Community Wiped Out in a Single Morning
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, members of the Isoko Community were stunned when a bulldozer—believed to be deployed under government authority—arrived without warning and began demolishing homes and businesses worth billions of naira. No official explanation has been given till date.
The community insists that it has occupied the land for nearly six decades, and that a valid 50-year lease agreement was signed with the Ojomu family. Aiyekooto Reporters’ findings confirm that the community indeed possesses long-standing documentation supporting their lawful occupation.
Summary of Key Incidents Reported
The community chairman was physically assaulted during the operation.
Homes, businesses, and personal property were destroyed without prior notice.
A community member, Mr. Gifts Ologbo, reportedly passed away shortly after the incident, unable to cope with the shock of losing his home and livelihood.
The community submitted all required documents to authorities, but their petitions were ignored.
The demolition was reportedly carried out with the accompaniment of armed personnel and non-state actors.
The community suspects internal disputes within the Ojomu family and possible collusion involving some state officials.
Following the demolition, sand-filling activities began immediately, raising suspicion of a premeditated land takeover.
“We Have Lost Everything” — Community Leaders Speak
Mr. Lucky Ozero, Chairman of the Isoko Community, expressed profound grief over the sudden loss of decades of investment and peaceful co-existence.
“We responded to every petition, submitted all documents, and followed every lawful process,” he said.
“Yet no one granted us a fair hearing. Instead, our homes were taken from us without warning. We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. We have lost everything.
The Secretary, Mr. Clements Okeh, described the operation as uncivil and intimidating, lamenting that those who carried out the demolition acted with complete disregard for the community’s rights and dignity.
We’re treated like people with no rights, no voice, and no value,” Okeh said with emotion.
Our landlords, elders, widows, and families were left stranded. We just want justice. injustice to one is injustice to all
Eyewitness Account: “It Was Like War”
A community elder, Mr. Paul Irakpo, a 56-year-old indigene, recounted the incident with deep distress:
Fourteen landlords lost their homes.
Elderly residents and widows were displaced.
The community was overwhelmed by the sudden force of the operation.
Building materials were reportedly brought to the site immediately after the demolition, raising suspicion of prior arrangements.
He also noted that the traditional ruler of the Ojomu family denied authorizing the operation, suggesting that powerful actors may be acting outside the family’s knowledge.
Legal Efforts and a Call for Presidential Intervention
The community has engaged Rotimi Williams Chambers to seek legal redress, but efforts to obtain explanations or documentation from the relevant authorities have been unsuccessful.
We are Nigerians. We are law-abiding citizens,” Irakpo said.
We did not invade anyone’s land. We legally occupied this land for decades. What happened to us can simply be described as power of Nepotism, Corruption and bias system under Lagos State Government. In View of the subject above, We hereby call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to help the Homeless, Landlords who suddenly turn to Displaced Persons overnight at Isoko Community under Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos state.
A Plea for Justice & Our Demands.
The Isoko Community is calling for:
- An immediate presidential investigation
- Identification of all actors involved
- Restoration of their rights and property, or due compensation
- Protection from further intimidation
- Justice for the deceased community members and all affected families
This incident stands as a grave test of fairness, constitutional rights, and the rule of law in Lagos State. The community insists it will pursue justice in court — not only for themselves, but also to clear the name of the Ojomu family, which they believe has been unfairly implicated.
