Ajah Residents Urge Lagos Government To Provide Compensation Before Lekki Airport Demolitions.
Residents of the Ajiwe community in Ajah, Lagos State, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure fair compensation is provided before the demolition of their properties to make way for infrastructure projects linked to the new Lekki-Epe International Airport. The appeal, voiced during a protest on Abraham Adesanya Expressway over the weekend of 26th–27th July 2025, centres on the planned Gas Link pipeline and Green Line Rail projects, key components of the airport development in the Ibeju Lekki area.
The landlords and tenants, whose homes and businesses face demolition, staged a peaceful demonstration, brandishing placards with messages such as “We say no to Gas Link and Green Line Rail projects demolition of our properties without Compensation” and “Compensate us.” The protesters acknowledged the public importance of the infrastructure projects but stressed the need for the government to address the human cost of displacing families and disrupting livelihoods.
Kehinde Alakoso, speaking on behalf of the protesters, emphasised that while the projects serve an overriding public purpose as stipulated by law, the government must prioritise fair compensation to mitigate the impact on residents. Similarly, Ahmed Ajanaku, General Secretary of the Odugbese Ajereongbe Chieftaincy family and a representative of affected landlords, expressed disappointment over unfulfilled promises made by the Lagos State Government during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Swiss Hotel in Victoria Garden City. He urged the government to honour its commitments to the community.
Prince Olanshile Mogaji, a tenant representing occupants of Top Notch Plaza since 2004, also pleaded for due process and respect, highlighting the need for transparent communication and fair treatment. The residents’ demands echo previous protests in the region, such as the 2021 demonstration by Oke-Egan residents in Ajah, who similarly sought compensation for demolitions, underscoring a recurring concern over property rights in Lagos State’s rapid urban development.
The Lekki-Epe International Airport, a flagship project under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, is part of the state’s broader T.H.E.M.E.S developmental agenda to transform Lagos into Africa’s premier business and investment hub. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the airport’s construction was signed with Summa Group in February 2025, with the project expected to facilitate travel and boost economic opportunities for residents and businesses. However, the protests highlight the challenges of balancing ambitious infrastructure goals with the rights and welfare of affected communities.
The Lagos State Government has yet to issue a formal response to the Ajiwe residents’ demands, but past actions suggest a willingness to engage with affected communities. For instance, following a 2021 protest, the Lagos State House of Assembly assured residents that their grievances would be addressed amicably. The current situation presents an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to equitable development by ensuring that compensation processes are transparent and timely.
As Lagos continues its transformation into a megacity, the concerns raised by Ajiwe residents underscore the importance of inclusive urban planning. The successful completion of the Lekki-Epe International Airport could mark a significant milestone for the state, but addressing the needs of displaced residents will be crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring sustainable progress.
