02/09/2026
2nd September, 2026.
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE OWORO YOUTHS FORUM (OYF)
THREE YEARS AFTER: DEATH, DISEASE AND HOMELESSNESS CONTINUE TO TRAIL OWORONSHOKI DEMOLITION VICTIMS
Three years after the demolition and forced eviction of residents of Oworonshoki began, the devastating consequences of the exercise continue to haunt thousands of residents across the affected communities, stretching from Odunfa Street to Lone Street, cutting through Precious Seed and extending down to Ojileru Street.
What began with the destruction of homes and properties has become a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Several residents have lost their lives as a result of the demolitions and the harsh conditions that followed, while many others are battling various illnesses worsened by displacement, trauma, exposure and inadequate access to healthcare.
More disturbing is the painful reality that hundreds of victims are still without proper shelter. As we write this statement, hundreds of displaced residents, including women and children, continue to sleep in the open at night along the Oworonshoki Car Wash Expressway and within different parts of the community.
Families who once had homes, livelihoods and a sense of security have been reduced to homelessness and poverty. Children have had their education disrupted, while vulnerable residents continue to face exposure to harsh weather, insecurity and disease.
The Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) finds it unacceptable that three years after the demolitions began, victims are still left to bear the devastating consequences without adequate compensation, resettlement or meaningful support.
We therefore call on the Lagos State Government to take responsibility and be held accountable for the consequences of the demolition exercise. The government must provide adequate compensation, resettlement and support for all genuine victims whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed.
The Sanwo-Olu administration must understand that its legacy will not be defined only by its projects and achievements, but also by how it treated the thousands of Oworonshoki residents whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed under its watch. The ruins left behind in Oworonshoki will remain a painful reminder of this administration unless justice is done and adequate compensation is provided to the victims.
OYF will continue to demand accountability, justice and dignity for the victims of the Oworonshoki demolitions. No government should be allowed to destroy people's homes and livelihoods and simply walk away from the consequences.
Signed:
Yemi Aderibigbe
President
Towolawi Jamiu
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
OWORO YOUTHS FORUM (OYF)
