“Jonathan and Buhari Didn’t Destroy Yoruba Communities, Why Is Tinubu Doing So?” – Lagos Residents Protest Demolitions

Residents of several waterside communities in Lagos, including Makoko and Iyana Oworo, have expressed anger over the demolition of their homes, questioning why the destruction is taking place under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during a protest in Marina, Lagos, the residents compared the current situation with previous administrations, arguing that they did not experience similar treatment under former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

“When Goodluck Jonathan was President, he didn’t break the Yoruba land. When Buhari was President, he didn’t break the Yoruba land. But now that we have Tinubu, who is a Yoruba man, when we should be enjoying the benefits of having our own man in power, we are suffering, dying every day, and becoming homeless,” one of the protesters said.

The residents described their experience as painful and disheartening, saying many people have lost their homes, livelihoods, and sense of security.

According to them, the demolitions have left numerous families displaced, with parents and children forced to live separately due to the lack of alternative accommodation.

They also alleged that a court judgment had directed that residents should not be displaced until adequate alternative arrangements were provided, but claimed the ruling was ignored.

“Unfortunately, we are going through what feels like a dictatorship in a democratic system,” another protester said.

The demonstrators called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to respect the court judgment, provide compensation for affected residents, and ensure proper resettlement for those displaced by the demolitions.