The Lagos State Government have on Friday, reacted reports linking it to the demolition of the Ojodu retail market in the Berger area of the nation's commercial city.
Gov. Ambode
News
made rounds online yesterday that the Governor Akinwumni Ambode-led Lagos state government, reportedly embarked on a total demolition of the popular Ojodu market in the Berger area of the state.
In a statement released on Friday by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowose, the State Government debunked the media reports, saying that the allegation was far from the truth, and described the media reports as figment of imagination of the authors.
While clarifying the position of the State Government, Anifowose said it was not the norm of the government to act in such manner, adding that before any demolition is carried out, all statutory notices were served.
“As a State Government, we like to categorically deny involvement in the demolition exercise as alleged in some national dailies.
“While the reports in one breath claimed that the State Government was responsible for the demolition, it was also said that it was in compliance with a court judgment.
“The same report also alleged that an unnamed former Governor was behind the exercise, while still claiming that the land on which the retail market was located had been under global acquisition for years.
“Our story is that some of the market women came to my office yesterday saying that their market was being demolished, and after finding out from relevant agencies because I have not given any directive on demolition and having confirmed that our agencies were not involved, I told the market people that the demolition nerver came from us.
“We don’t demolish without organising a stakeholder meeting with the concerned people and we also ensure that we give them enough notice,” Anifowose said.
He added that the last time the State Government carried out a demolition exercise was in January when lay-by was being constructed.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State Government hereby categorically deny involvement in the demoilition exercise,” Anifowose said.