The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the state government to intensify public enlightenment on ongoing demolitions to curb misinformation and improve public understanding.
The resolution followed a motion raised under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Mr Stephen Ogundipe during Thursday’s plenary.
Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, warned of misleading publications surrounding recent developments, particularly in the Makoko area.
He said: “Many reports contain inaccuracies, distortions and unverified allegations capable of misleading the public and heightening unnecessary tension.”
Contributing, Mr Aro Moshood, Ikorodu Constituency II, said residents often ignore the rationale behind government policies when reacting to development projects.
Aro added that urban renewal initiatives should have begun earlier, noting that many occupants of demolished areas were “living there illegally”.
He commended the Commissioner of Police for intervening promptly to quell protests and prevent escalation.
Mr Kehinde Joseph, representing Alimosho I, urged the government to ensure adequate compensation for genuinely affected persons.
Joseph noted that “some protesters are now receiving support from human rights groups”, backing calls for a special committee.
Mr Abiodun Tobun said protesters nearly overran the Assembly complex, describing the situation as “almost violent”.
Tobun praised the Commissioner of Police for curbing excesses and averting a breakdown of law and order.
Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, urged affected residents to remain calm, assuring them that a committee had been set up to address concerns.
He thanked protesters for engaging the assembly but warned against “troublemakers seeking to exploit the situation”.
Obasa said some individuals infiltrated the protest with intentions to cause mayhem, urging vigilance among genuine protesters.
The House resolved to pursue measures aimed at de-escalating tensions, promoting understanding and engaging stakeholders to achieve lasting solutions.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized that effective physical planning is vital for a safe, functional and prosperous Lagos State.
Hamzat spoke during a Fireside Chat with Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy 2025/2026 Cohort, held on Thursday in Alausa, Ikeja.
He said proper planning was necessary to prevent flooding, chaotic urban growth, environmental hazards and avoidable hardship for residents.
“Physical planning helps people understand how development decisions are made and why regulations exist,” Hamzat said.
According to him, orderly urban growth protects lives, property and the future of Nigeria, particularly Lagos State.
The deputy governor cited the Maroko experience as a lesson on the dangers of unstructured and poorly planned settlements.
“No society can thrive where people occupy waterways without defined layouts, infrastructure or enforceable building standards.
“The duty of government is to create systems that guide development, serving both the wealthy and the vulnerable,” Hamzat stated.
He lamented that Africa’s development challenges were worsened by the absence of deliberate and sustained planning.
Hamzat noted that progress would remain limited without effective planning for land use, infrastructure and growing development pressures.
He warned that development cannot be driven by personal desire alone, stressing that planning is not optional.
