Sanwo-Olu Commissions New Roads, Cautions Landlords Against Rent Hikes.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated the construction of Demurin Road, Agidi Road, and Church Street in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Kosofe Local Government Area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Sanwo-Olu urged landlords not to exploit the development by increasing rent, emphasising that the project was aimed at improving residents’ quality of life, not creating a financial burden.
“Please do not increase your house rent because we are not doing this for you to put a burden on your tenants. The value of your property may have gone up, but I am begging you, do not use this as an opportunity to exploit tenants,” he said.
The governor highlighted the significance of the roads, which provide a strategic bypass, reducing travel time between Alapere, Mile 12, and Ikorodu. Previously, journeys that took up to 30 minutes can now be completed in under five minutes.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in road infrastructure across Lagos, assuring residents that similar projects would be implemented in other communities.
Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Osinowo, described the reconstructed roads as a game-changer for local businesses, recalling the poor state of the roads before the intervention.
“If you knew Demurin and Agidi roads a few years ago, you would understand why this project is a huge relief. These roads were in terrible condition and negatively impacted businesses. But today, thanks to Mr. Governor, the situation has changed,” Osinowo said.
He acknowledged the increase in property values due to the improved infrastructure but urged landlords to avoid immediate rent hikes. “We will engage landlords through the Community Development Committees (CDCs) to discourage sudden rent hikes. We want the benefits of this development to be shared fairly among residents,” he added.
To maintain the newly constructed roads, Osinowo announced plans to enforce regulations against street trading and illegal parking, ensuring that the roads remain accessible and well-maintained.
The project was executed by Retro Construction Limited and Regent Construction Limited. According to the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, Demurin Road spans 1.6 km, while Agidi Road covers 750 m, forming a crucial link between Ikorodu and the Third Mainland Bridge via Alapere.
Honourable Obafemi Saheed, representing Kosofe II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised the governor for fulfilling his campaign promise, noting that the new roads would significantly ease movement and connectivity in the area.
“With this road, you no longer need to pass through Ketu or Ojota to get to Ikorodu. From Alapere, you can go straight to Mile 12 and connect to Ikorodu with ease,” he stated.
Residents and business owners in the area have welcomed the development, expressing optimism about its impact on economic activities and daily commuting.