Makoko: Princess Oyefusi urges Sanwo-Olu to house displaced vulnerable families

Princess Oyefusi has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to provide housing for displaced families following the recent demolition of homes in Makoko, Lagos.

The demolition has left thousands of vulnerable families, including women, children, and the elderly, without adequate resettlement.

In a statement released on Monday, Princess Oyefusi emphasised that Makoko is a community that has existed for generations, supporting fishing livelihoods and informal economies crucial to Lagos’ functioning.

“Makoko is not an eyesore, it is a community,” she said, adding that urban development should not create homelessness.

She stressed that housing is a human right and governments have a duty to provide safe, affordable homes before demolishing communities.

“The recent demolition of homes in Makoko, Lagos has displaced thousands of vulnerable families women, children, the elderly without adequate resettlement.

“Urban development cannot mean creating homelessness.
Makoko has existed for generations, supporting fishing livelihoods and informal economies that keep Lagos running.

“Safety and planning matter. But demolitions without housing alternatives deepen poverty and inequality they don’t solve them.

“Housing is a human right, not a reward for wealth.
Governments have a duty to provide safe, affordable homes before tearing communities down.

“Lagos can modernise without erasing its poorest residents.
Inclusive planning and low-income housing are the foundation of real development.

“How a city treats its most vulnerable people is the true measure of progress.
Makoko is a moral test and Nigeria must do better”, Princesss Oyefusi stated.