Popular Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Yemi Alade has voiced her disapproval of the recent demolition exercise carried out at Mende Estate Villa, Lagos State on Saturday.
Alade expressed her concerns in a viral video on Social media which emerged on Sunday.
According to Alade, such actions could deter potential investors from engaging in real estate ventures within the state
In the video that surfaced on Sunday, the renowned artist lamented the plight of residents who find themselves suddenly homeless due to these demolitions. She questioned the logic behind individuals investing large substantial sums of money in real estate, only to have their properties demolished by the state, leaving them without shelter overnight.
She highlighted the detrimental impact such actions have on the real estate market, eroding trust in the stability of property ownership within the state and the country at large.
The demolition, as explained by the state Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, was deemed necessary to reclaim the Odo Iya Laro drainage channel. Wahab, along with other officials, visited the site to oversee the ongoing reclamation efforts on System 1 (Odo Iyalaro – Ogudu reach).
The recent demolitions in areas like Lekki, Ikota, the International Trade Fair, Agungi, and other parts of Lagos in October and November 2023 were attributed by the state government to illegal construction practices.
The Ministry of Environment emphasized that these demolitions aim to address issues of recurrent flooding, which have resulted in property damage and, tragically, fatalities in some instances.
Yemi Alade’s critique underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both urban development and the protection of residents’ investments.
According to Yemi Alade, Lagos’ continued evolvement in finding sustainable solutions that preserve property rights while addressing critical infrastructure needs remains a crucial challenge for policymakers and stakeholders alike.