On Wednesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed a startling discovery: an apartment tucked beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, where tenants were reportedly paying an annual rent of N250,000. Wahab made this revelation through a post on X.com, accompanied by videos showcasing the enforcement team’s efforts.
According to Wahab, the enforcement team successfully cleared all structures found under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, including a container used for various illegal activities. The videos shared by the commissioner revealed that a total of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 spaces, were uncovered beneath the bridge, along with the aforementioned container.
Further confirmation of the eviction came from Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, a Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who stated that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, commonly known as KAI, carried out the operation on Tuesday. Rotimi-Akodu noted that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction process.
Highlighting the precarious situation, Rotimi-Akodu emphasized the potential threat posed by the illegal settlement to critical infrastructure. He reiterated that the law would be upheld, with continued monitoring of the area to prevent any resurgence of unauthorized occupation.
Additionally, Rotimi-Akodu highlighted the hazardous conditions present in the makeshift shelters, with some occupants using wood materials, gas cylinders, and fuel for generators, posing significant safety risks.
The eviction underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining order and safeguarding public infrastructure, while also addressing issues of illegal occupation and potential hazards to residents and the surrounding community.
