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Okun Ajah Community Protests Alleged Diversion of Lagos-Calabar Expressway

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 2nd, 2024.

Okun Ajah Community Protests Alleged Diversion of Lagos-Calabar Expressway

The Okun Ajah Community Development Association, representing residents of Okun Ajah in Eti Osa Local Government Area, has raised concerns over what they claim is a diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Expressway into their area.

The association asserts that the road’s course has been altered from the 2006 Gazetted Coastal Road Alignment to benefit specific individuals. In a statement issued to FIRST CLASS GISTS, signed by Chairman Isah Noibi and Secretary Yusuf Odunuga, they are calling for an investigation into the situation.

The community, aware of plans for the coastal road by the Lagos State and Federal Government over the past three decades, insists they have not encroached on the approved Right of Way.

The statement expressed, “We are compelled to address this issue openly as residents of Okun Ajah face the threat of illegal demolitions of their properties and investments simply for being law-abiding citizens. Okun Ajah is a historic town, with roots extending over 500 years and a diverse population.”

The group emphasized that they were informed about the coastal road’s intended construction nearly 30 years ago and noted that the alignment was officially recognized in 2006 when Bola Tinubu served as Governor. They expressed concerns that investments, including those from Nigerians abroad and local cooperative societies, would be jeopardized by the road’s diversion.

Furthermore, they alleged that individuals who stand to benefit from the diversion had acquired land along the original coastal route to influence the change to parts of the community that do not intersect with the Right of Way.

The community clarified that there are no telecommunications cables in their area, which has been cited as a reason for the diversion. They noted that the MTN cable is located significantly further away, at ShopRite Road, approximately seven kilometers from Okun Ajah.

In conclusion, they urged the President to instruct the Minister of Works to adhere to the 2006 approved coastal road alignment and cease any further diversions.

When approached for comment, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Keisha, referred inquiries to the Honourable Minister of Works.