THE Federal Government has diverted the ongoing demolition planned to prepare the way for the continuing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which would have resulted in the destruction of up to 2000 homes in the Okun-Ajah Community of the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
This was revealed in a letter of appreciation dated July 5th and signed by the Baale of Okun-Ajah, Chief Sikiru Olukosi, and the Secretary, Kamorudeen Balogun, in which the community expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for considering and acting on their concerns.
The community thanked President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, David Umahi, for their recent decision to reroute the coastal road project.
The letter reads in part: “The willingness of the Federal Government to consider and act upon the concerns of our community is profoundly appreciated and it demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving our cultural heritage.”
“Your decision has brought immense relief and delight to the people of Okun-Ajah Community, as our traditional home holds significant cultural and historical value to us. It is a place where our traditions and customs are upheld, and it serves as a symbol of our identity and unity”.
“By choosing to reroute the road to the swamp area of the community, you have not only safeguarded a crucial part of our heritage by saving thousands of our people from homelessness but also reinforced the trust and confidence we have in the Federal Government of Nigeria that has shown human emotions for her citizenry”.
In May 2024, the community petitioned the Federal and Lagos State governments to exempt its traditional ruler’s palace and 2,000 other residences from a revised project path, saying that the structures had been wrongfully targeted for demolition.
On May 24, the Federal Government told the Okun-Ajah community that it had heard their concerns and that their property would not be demolished.
Umahi, who met with leaders of communities along the road alignment between Eko Atlantic (Chainage Zero) and Eleko Inside (Chainage 47.4km), stated that development around the axis would follow the federal government’s original gazetted plan.
The 700-kilometer road infrastructure project will cost ₦15 trillion and take eight years to complete.
The pilot phase of development has begun at Eko Atlantic City and will end at Lekki Deep Seaport, for which ₦1.06tn has already been released.
According to Minister of Works, David Umahi, the 10-lane highway will be the first of its kind in Africa, costing ₦4 billion per km.