In a Save-Our-Souls and properties appeal, the Magodo Residents Association has appealed to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and well-meaning citizens of the state to save the estate from an impending infrastructural and environmental degradation by preventing the development of buildings in a land-locked location originally classified as a gorge in the masterplan of Magodo GRA Phase 2, Shangissha, Lagos.
In a statement on Monday, the residents said it was with a sense of great trepidation and concern that the executives of South East Zone of Magodo GRA Phase 2, are drawing the attention of well- meaning Lagosians, and in particular Governor Sanwo-Olu to the threat being faced in the hands of a property developer, purportedly in cohort with the Ministry of Physical Planning of the state.
In putting the records straight, the MRA in the statement said: “We have over the years and in the recent past made our objection known to many of the Lagos State Government functionaries and other stakeholders on this matter, with a view to maintaining the sanctity of our environment and safeguarding the existing residential properties, flora and fauna of our dwelling place, but we are forced to once again bring this to the court of public opinion to forestall the breakdown of law and order in the estate.
“Magodo GRA Phase 2 is a low-medium density Estate (by design), and has enjoyed stable environmental and infrastructural status, hence the peace and serenity enjoyed by all residents.
“This remains the attraction for most residents that elected to live in the estate either as first generation owners or subsequent investors. Bounding the Estate is a stretch of wetlands that runs from under the Otedola bridge to Agiliti, Mile 12 & on to Ikorodu.
“The Wetland amongst other ecological benefits serves as a natural storm collector and flood control container for all storm water and flash floods from Agidingbi, Ikeja, Ogba, Alausa, etc.
“It is also the singular flood plain that has shielded Magodo from soil erosion, flooding and flood related diseases and disasters over the decades.”
However, the residents alleged that in the past 12 months, they have been bombarded with a request to develop a land- locked gorge that serves as a natural water collection point and is supported by vegetation and sand mass that holds the elevated part of the location, which prevents the structures on the low lands (previously called Oko Filling) from being submerged by flow of rain water.
According to the residents, previous attempt to develop part of the same location some 10 years ago failed because of the landlocked situation to affirm the gorge delineation of the location.
“Our concern is that developers aided by top officials of Lagos State Physical Planning have decided on building in the gorge and are bent on distorting the natural setting and peace of our environment at the expense of existing properly situated properties, infrastructural conveniences, and thereby cause ecological distortions in an otherwise natural and stable space.
“In our letter of 24th April 2025, we had intimated the Ministry of Physical Planning and other relevant departments and agencies of Lagos state to this development.
“We expected that the relevant government agencies and departments would rise to the occasion to prevent a looming environmental disaster being perpetrated by this developer. Our suspicion is that there may be individuals within these agencies that are in cahoots with this developer.
“In a bid to give a sham legitimacy to a supposed demolition of an illegal structure and commence fresh development in the same area, the developer approached agencies of Lagos State Government to carry out the demolition with armed security personnel.
“This obviously is to intimidate residents from asking legitimate questions regarding the dangerous activities. All in the name of demolishing an uncompleted building without regard to the impact on the existing structures and the fragile terrain bordering the drive way to the community.
“The process of demolition has constituted a serious health hazard to the community and has resulted in intermittent disturbances and damages to the surrounding properties.”
The residents further stated that the vegetation holding the cliff of the gorge was planted by the community and the road was tarred by the residents of South East Zone, Magodo GRA Phase 2, both of which are now in clear danger.
“To worsen these concerns, the perpetrators started the excavation of the cliff thereby threatening the environment, at this time of the year in particular when the rains are here.
“Since it appears like they have turned deaf ears to our concerns, we have no other choice than to bring this ugly disregard for the community and the environment to the attention of His Excellency, the Governor and the general public, with a view to putting the exercise to a halt and directing the relevant offices to take steps to address the concerns of the community.”