Hundreds of landlords and residents in a Okoko community in Ojo area of Lagos have protested an alleged plan by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, to demolish over 300 homes for a rail project, accusing the agency of defying a subsisting court order and attempting to dispossess them without adequate compensation.

The protesters, who staged a peaceful procession to the Federal High Court, carried placards urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene, warning that the planned demolition could render thousands homeless.

Addressing journalists, counsel to the Okokomaiko landlords, Barrister Femi Dodo, alleged that the state government, in connivance with LAMATA officials, was using “crooked means” to take over private property.

He said: “People’s property must not be forcefully taken without due process and adequate compensation. Even tenants cannot be ejected unlawfully without a court order, let alone landowners. If land must be acquired, compensation must be paid, and the people have the right to contest it.”

Dodo further disclosed that the matter, which came up in court, was adjourned to June 1, 2026, following the absence of the presiding judge, who he said was on official assignment at the National Judicial Council in Abuja.

He, however, accused LAMATA of continuing activities on the disputed land despite a court injunction restraining further action.

“Despite the injunction, contractors have been sent to the site. We have initiated contempt proceedings, and if this persists, we will seek committal orders against those violating the court order,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the landlords, Engr. Iniobong Offiong lamented that many of the affected properties represented lifelong investments.

“Our houses are the reward for our labour since youth. These are what we hope to leave for our children. If compensation must be paid, it should at least match the value of what we have, if not exceed it,” he said.

Offiong also questioned claims that some landlords had been paid compensation, describing the figures allegedly quoted as unrealistic.

“Where in Lagos can you get land for N12 million, talk less of one with a building? If government is offering compensation, it must be enough to secure a comparable property in today’s market,” he said.

He insisted that any compensation should reflect current market realities and enable affected residents to relocate without suffering economic loss.

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Some residents also denied claims that they had received compensation.

One of them, Mr. Chukwuemeka, said he attended a stakeholders’ meeting where attendees were asked to sign documents purportedly for compensation, but received nothing thereafter.

“I have not received any compensation. They told us to write our names and sign, and that anyone who refuses or goes to court will not be paid. That is intimidation,” he said.

Residents further alleged harassment and threats, claiming officials accompanied by armed security personnel had previously entered the community under the guise of conducting a census.

They also accused authorities of attempting to weaken resistance by allegedly offering money to tenants to vacate and disconnecting electricity supply in parts of the area.

The community maintained that the land acquisition was unjustified, noting that a large expanse of land earlier earmarked for the rail project during a previous administration remains undeveloped.

They called on the Lagos State Government to halt the planned demolition, respect the court order, and revert to the original project plan that would not displace residents.

The protesters also appealed to civil society groups and the media to intervene, warning that failure to address their grievances could lead to widespread displacement and humanitarian challenges.