“We Obeyed The Law, Paid Our Dues—Yet Bulldozers Are Taking Our Homes” – Toni Kan Writes Sanwo-Olu On Oworonshoki 

Toni Kan, media practitioner and reputation manager, has appealed to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, to halt what he described as the unjustified demolition of houses in Oworonshoki, warning that several families are on the brink of homelessness despite having valid ownership documents and evidence of compliance with government regulations.

In an open letter to the governor, Kan said members of his family could lose their homes within days as bulldozers continue to pull down buildings in the community without clear explanations or compensation. 

The known name beyond media circles said the demolitions, which have been ongoing for months, were initially presented as a targeted exercise that would affect only illegal shanties and properties without proper documentation.

Kan said he purchased his Oworonshoki property in 2007 after due diligence, adding that the land was surveyed and supported by a deed of assignment and transfer. 

The popular public relations man noted that construction only commenced after his builder obtained the required permit from the Lagos state government.

He said he has consistently paid land use charges on the property, including the most recent assessment signed by the commissioner for finance, and possesses all relevant payment details, including bank payment codes and payer identification.

According to him, the land itself was originally acquired in 1977 and has a plan number issued by the Lagos state government, raising questions about how such properties could now be classified as illegal.

Kan alleged that the demolitions are being driven by land grabbing interests seeking to create an oceanfront residential estate, saying a promise once sold as future value has now become a source of anguish for long-time property owners.

He said fear initially stopped him from speaking out, as residents worry that public complaints could provoke those behind the demolitions and endanger their families. 

The friend of many described Oworonshoki as being under siege, alleging that hoodlums working with land grabbers intimidate residents and assault those who attempt to document the demolitions.

The media practitioner referenced the governor’s recent public commitment to safeguarding lives, property and investments in Lagos, urging him to translate those assurances into action by intervening in Oworonshoki.

He questioned why homeowners who present proof of ownership and evidence of regular payment of land use charges are being ignored, asking how houses could be deemed illegal when the state has continued to accept statutory payments on them.

Kan said watching one’s property destroyed without the ability to stop it is degrading and deeply distressing, adding that while some affected persons may have the means to relocate, many others face ruin after investing their life savings in homes they have occupied for years.

He also recalled the late Baba Mike, who encouraged him to buy the property years ago, saying the man would be devastated by the prospect of his family becoming homeless.

As the year draws to a close, Kan appealed to Sanwo-Olu to consider the fate of families in Oworonshoki whose festive season, he said, would be defined by loss and uncertainty if the demolitions continue.