National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Residents and indigenes of Okun Ajah in Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State have made a fervent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to ensure that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in their community follows the 2006 gazetted alignment.
The residents strongly oppose the proposed diversion of the coastal road from its original alignment, expressing their frustration following the recent announcement by Minister Umahi about rerouting the Okun Ajah section.
They argue that this rerouting constitutes an injustice to those who have adhered to the official road alignment and sets a negative precedent for other road projects nationwide.
The affected residents possess the necessary legal documents, such as Certificates of Occupancy and Governor’s Consent, obtained from the Lagos State Government.
Despite assurances at a recent stakeholders’ meeting at Eko Hotel, Lagos, where Minister Umahi promised that their properties would remain unaffected, the new plans have put their properties at risk.
Yussuf Odunuga, an indigene of Okun Ajah, emphasized the historical context, saying, “Since we got the excision for this village in 2006 under then-Governor Bola Tinubu, now President of Nigeria, there was an alignment for the coastal road, and it was gazetted.”
He noted that some individuals built on the alignment, assuming the government would not proceed with construction, but now, the minister’s plans unfairly favor those who ignored the alignment.
Kazeem Shittu, a member of the Baale in Council of Okun Ajah, urged the minister to revert to the 2006 alignment to ease the community’s tension.
He appreciated the efforts of the president and the minister but stressed the importance of maintaining the original alignment for the sake of peace and unity.
Saeed Olukosi, the Akogun of Okun Ajah, echoed this sentiment, describing the rerouting as a punishment for those who followed the law.
He recalled the initial excitement when President Tinubu flagged off the road project and the agreement at the stakeholders’ meeting to stick to the gazetted alignment.
Ajigbotosho Oluwasegun, a property owner, appealed for due process to be followed. “I have been living here for many years and did the necessary confirmation about the coastal road before building my house.
The minister should adhere to the gazetted alignment and not favor those who built on the coastal road unlawfully,” he stated.
The residents call for the minister to adhere to the original alignment to ensure fair treatment and avoid creating new victims.
