The Lagos State House of Assembly has been urged to act immediately and hold those responsible for the current demolition and arson in Ifesowapo, Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani Community Development Association (CDA) accountable by a few worried Lagos Mainland residents and victims. They made the call in petition to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, titled “Petition To Summon Hon. Rashidat Omolola Essien and Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya Regarding ongoing demolition and arson case in Ifesowapo Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani CDA”.
The concerned residents lamented that the communities had been subjected to a series of unlawful demolitions and acts of arson, resulting in the destruction of property and displacement of innocent residents.
Signed by Babatunde David, Agbodemu Ishola Musbau, Shola Dele, Owoeye Sule, Babatunde Bola, Sunday Joel, Moruf Bello and Chief Ogede Niger Hotel on behalf of the concerned residents and victims of the vicious demolition, the petitioners claimed that the demolitions were done in total disregard for law and order, adding that it has caused immense distress to the affected residents.
The petition partly read: “It has come to our attention that the Ifesowapo Community, located within the jurisdiction of the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, has been subjected to a series of unlawful demolitions and acts of arson, resulting in the destruction of property and displacement of innocent residents.
“These actions have been carried out with apparent impunity, and there has been a shocking lack of accountability on the part of the authorities responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the community.
“We believe that both the Executive Chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Government, Honorable Rashidat Omolola Essien, and the Oloto of Otto, Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, bear a significant responsibility in this matter, whether through acts of commission or omission.
“As elected representatives and custodians of the public trust, they owe it to the people of Lagos State to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their status or affiliation.”
It added, “therefore, we respectfully petition the Lagos State House of Assembly to exercise its oversight function and summon Honorable Rashidat Omolola Essien and Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya to appear before the Assembly to explain their position and actions regarding the ongoing demolition and arson case in Ifesowapo, Toluwani and Ifeoluwa CDA.”
The Petitioners specifically, requested that the Council Chairman and the Oba should provide answers on- “What measures, if any, were taken by the Lagos Mainland Local Government to prevent the unlawful demolitions and acts of arson in Ifesowapo , Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani CDA
“What role, if any, did the Oloto of Otto play in instigating or facilitating the aforementioned actions?
“What steps will be taken to hold accountable those responsible for the destruction of property and displacement of residents in Ifesowapo, Ifeoluwa, and Toluwani CDA?
“What plans are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future?
“We believe that a transparent and accountable investigation into this matter is essential to uphold the principles of justice and democracy in our society. The people of Lagos State deserve answers, and it is imperative that those in positions of authority are held to account for their actions.
“We trust that the Lagos State House of Assembly will give due consideration to this petition and take appropriate action to address the concerns raised herein.”
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