Makoko leaders, residents meet over unity and eviction concerns

Leaders and residents of the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos gathered on Sunday, March 15, 2026, to discuss what they described as a persistent challenge within the community, the lack of unity, as well as growing concerns over demolitions and possible eviction threats.

The meeting, held at the Apostolic Church near First Moshalashi Bus Stop, brought together community leaders, residents, legal advocates, and activists who called for greater cooperation among Makoko stakeholders in defending the community and addressing its challenges.

Among those present were human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), co-founder of Justice and Empowerment Initiatives Megan Chapman, Baale of Makoko Waterfront Emmanuel Shamede, and activist Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto. Several other Baales and community representatives also attended the gathering.

In his remarks, Shamede spoke about the origins of the Makoko settlement, explaining that the community’s early settlers were migrants who initially lived in the Obalende area before relocating to what later became known as Makoko.

He also referenced historical attempts by the Oloto chieftaincy to lay claim to the community as part of its ancestral territory. According to him, the claim did not succeed, adding that the title “Oloto” is derived from the word “Oto,” which means water in the local language.

Community leaders at the meeting stressed that greater unity among residents would strengthen their ability to respond to issues affecting Makoko, including disputes over land, demolitions, and development plans.

Calls for unity as demolition concerns persist

Activist Hassan Taiwo urged residents and community leaders to remain united, arguing that a divided community would struggle to effectively address the threats facing Makoko.

According to him, unity among residents would strengthen the community’s position in discussions involving government authorities and other stakeholders regarding the future of the waterfront settlement.

Chapman, speaking on behalf of Justice and Empowerment Initiatives, also highlighted the impact of past demolitions in the area.

She recalled her first visit to Makoko in 2012, which she said came shortly after a demolition that displaced about 4,000 residents.

Although the demolition was eventually halted, she said recent demolition activities had led to even larger displacements within the community.

According to Chapman, the most recent demolition affected about 25,000 people.

“My position is that even one or two people displaced is too many,” she said, noting that many residents remain in parts of Makoko such as Oko Agbon and Sogunro.

Chapman urged residents to maintain unity, stressing that collective action would help strengthen the community’s efforts to defend their homes.

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She also noted that several other Lagos waterfront communities that have experienced forced evictions, including Otumara, Otodo Gbame, Oworonshoki, and Bariga, have expressed solidarity with Makoko residents.

Falana speaks on rights, development, and environmental policy

Addressing the gathering in Yoruba, Falana told residents that citizens possess significant political power because elected officials depend on their votes to attain office.

“No government is more powerful than the people,” he said, urging residents to remain organised and engaged in defending their rights.

The senior advocate also explained that citizens have a constitutional right to protest, but added that organisers are required to notify the police beforehand so that security can be provided to protect participants and prevent disruptions.

Falana recalled that a previous protest involving Makoko residents turned chaotic after police allegedly fired tear gas at demonstrators. Authorities later claimed the protest had included songs considered insulting to the state governor.

He said the incident led to the arrest of Soweto and several other activists, who were detained at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre before being charged in court. They were later released on bail after Falana stood as surety.

The lawyer also referenced the demolition of Maroko in the early 1990s, noting that the former waterfront settlement later became part of the modern Victoria Island district.

According to him, many former Maroko residents were displaced during the development process.

While acknowledging that Makoko requires infrastructural improvement, Falana argued that development should involve the participation of the community and should not result in forced relocation to areas such as Agbowa.

“Makoko belongs to the people of Makoko, and I will continue to support you,” he told residents.

Falana also questioned environmental spending by the Lagos State government, noting that the state’s 2026 budget allocated about ₦239 billion to environmental matters, while figures on the government’s website indicate approximately ₦235.96 billion.

He asked how the funds would be utilised if residents are still expected to handle environmental sanitation themselves.

The human rights lawyer added that he would challenge any attempt to reintroduce mandatory sanitation restrictions in the state, stating that previous court rulings had ended compulsory sanitation exercises in Lagos.