Residents of the Ajiwe community in Ajah, Lagos State, have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to suspend the planned demolition of their homes for infrastructure projects until they receive adequate compensation.

The affected landlords and tenants claim their properties have been marked for demolition to make way for the Gas Link pipeline and Green Line Rail projects—key components of the new Lagos Airport under construction in Ibeju-Lekki.

Over the weekend, the residents staged a protest along the Abraham Adesanya Expressway, carrying placards with messages such as: “No Demolition Without Compensation,” “We Say No to Gas Link and Rail Project Demolitions Without Compensation,” and “Compensate Us First.”

Kehinde Alakoso, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, acknowledged the public importance of the projects but emphasized the need to account for the human impact.

“These projects may serve the greater good, but the government must also fulfill its legal and moral obligation to compensate displaced residents,” he said.

Alakoso added that formal letters had been submitted to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, and other relevant authorities in the state.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Monday confirmed that the death toll from Sunday’s devastating flood in Yola has climbed to 23, with many more still missing.

Upon arriving at Yola International Airport at 1:45 p.m., the governor proceeded directly to affected communities in Yola South Local Government Area, where he offered condolences to victims and assessed the damage.

At a temporary displacement camp set up at Yelewa Primary School, Fintiri met with displaced families, expressed his grief, and reassured them of the government’s commitment to providing immediate relief materials.

He announced the formation of a technical committee, in collaboration with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the destruction.

“We will constitute a technical committee to carry out a thorough assessment. Based on their findings, we will take concrete steps to assist affected residents,” the governor stated.

Fintiri also condemned attempts by some individuals to politicize the tragedy, warning against the spread of misinformation.

“This is not a time for politics or finger-pointing. It’s a time for unity and action,” he said.

He attributed the flooding to a combination of heavy rainfall and poor drainage caused by blocked water channels, emphasizing the need to address structural deficiencies to prevent future disasters.

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, for alleged unauthorised fundraising over an upcoming oil and has summit in the state.

The suspension was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, on Tuesday in Benin.

The SSG said the governor also announced the immediate halt of the planned summit, scheduled to begin on August 7.

“Due to the breach, the proposed summit is suspended, and Isere is directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event.

“Prospective donors are hereby advised to stop all dealings with the suspended adviser,” Ikhilor said.

(NAN)