The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised the ongoing demolitions in the Oworonshoki area of the state, describing the exercise as poorly planned and lacking empathy for affected residents.
Speaking during an interview with newsmen, Rhodes-Vivour said the Lagos state Government must adhere to the rule of law in carrying out urban renewal projects, warning those arbitrary demolitions discourage investment and deepen public distrust.
“There is absolute lawlessness because there’s a judgment. If the state wants the citizenry to respect the rule of law, it must show that example that it also subjects itself to the rule of law.
”You see a process that is not properly planned. You see a process that does not have any empathy associated with it. What you see with this charade of payments is that a small group of people are selected, and the majority of residents remain uncompensated.
He also described the compensation process for displaced residents as “a charade,” accusing the government of pursuing policies that favour the wealthy while neglecting the poor majority.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasised the importance of proper planning for relocations and compensation, saying that all development should begin at the local government level with full engagement of affected communities.
“Surely, if you have a proper plan, right, it will start at the local government level, where interactions will be done with these communities.
Rhodes-Vivour urged the government to adopt a more transparent and humane approach to urban renewal, saying genuine development should not come at the cost of people’s homes and livelihoods.
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