Magodo Residents Petition Sanwo-Olu Over Controversial Construction on Designated Gorge
Residents of Magodo Phase II in Lagos State have submitted a formal petition to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, demanding urgent action against what they describe as unauthorized construction on a protected gorge within the estate.
In a letter signed by Niyi Odusi, Chairman of the Magodo Residents Association, the community raised alarm over ongoing building activity in the Green Valley Zone locally referred to as “Oko Filling” which they say violates the Lagos State master plan.
The area in question, according to residents, was originally designated as a natural gorge, crucial for water collection, erosion control, and ecological balance. It is stabilized by natural vegetation and sand formations that protect surrounding elevated terrains.
The construction, they claim, poses a grave threat to lives and property, increasing risks of mudslides, flooding, and other environmental hazards.
Residents also accused certain officials in the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development of backing the development, despite the area’s known ecological sensitivity. Previous efforts to develop the site had been halted due to its classification in state plans.
The community said they had earlier written to government authorities on April 24, 2025, warning of the potential danger. However, they received no formal response.
They further alleged that the developer, with the support of armed security personnel and government officials, recently carried out a demolition at the site under the pretext of removing an “illegal structure.” Residents suspect this move is a cover for resuming construction activities.
According to the residents, the intention is to intimidate the community and suppress legitimate opposition to what they believe is a dangerous and illegal project. They added that the demolition has already caused damage to nearby properties.
In their petition, the residents are urging the governor to halt all ongoing construction, restore the estate’s original layout, and preserve the ecological balance of the gorge.
They also insist that if development must proceed, the government should first provide adequate infrastructure like road access and drainage and indemnify all affected residents from potential loss.
