The Okun-Ajah community in Lagos State has made an urgent appeal to Minister of Works, David Umahi, to adhere to the gazetted Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road alignment. This appeal came during a peaceful protest in Lagos, where community members voiced their concerns about potential changes to the original alignment of the road, which has been in place for nearly 30 years.
Bolanle Olugbani, the community lawyer, emphasized the importance of maintaining the original alignment, urging President Bola Tinubu to prevent any tampering with it. The protesters carried placards with messages like “Mr. Umahi, Keep to your words” and “Illegal construction on the original coastal road should not be encouraged,” underscoring their demand for adherence to the initial plans.
Olugbani explained that the coastal road alignment had been established by the Lagos State government in conjunction with the Federal Government almost three decades ago. People who bought land in areas like Okun-Ajah, Mokun, Akinlade, and its surroundings were advised to avoid purchasing in the designated corridor for the coastal road. Despite this, many invested heavily in these areas, only to face potential displacement now that the government plans to commence the coastal road project.
The community members, having complied with the original alignment, feel they should not bear the consequences of others’ disregard for the designated coastal road corridor. They urged the government to respect the gazetted alignment to avoid victimizing those who adhered to the guidelines.
In response, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, appreciated the peaceful nature of the protest and assured the community that their concerns would be communicated to the minister. She highlighted the government’s commitment to listening to the public, noting that Minister Umahi had shown willingness to address such issues and had even planned to meet with the community to discuss their grievances.
This ongoing dialogue underscores the community’s determination to ensure that the original coastal road alignment is respected and that their rights are protected.