The Lagos State government has reclaimed the right of away of the Odo-Iya Alaro channel by demolishing a part of the Arowojobe and Mende Estate villa.

The Minister of Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed it on his X account on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.

He wrote, “Earlier today, I, the SA on Environment, Hon. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the PS OES, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, PS ODS, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite and other Directors again visited the ongoing reclamation of the drainage setback on System 1 (Odo Iyalaro – Ogudu reach).”

“We also visited Mende Villa, Maryland where the Developer initially claimed there was a drainage approval on the property.”

” The Directors who were in the know of what transpired at the time, were invited to speak on the issue but confirmed that the Developer was given temporary and conditional approval to leave a 20m setback from the edge of System 1 but he encroached on the setback thereby obstructing the flow of rainwater.”

” However, by the magnanimity of Governor @jidesanwoolu, the ROW was approved to be reduced to 100 meters from 140 and spread on a 60/40 basis ( 60 Mende /40 Ogudu) instead of the initial 140 sitting on the Mende side.”

Following this decision, the enforcement team has been instructed to promptly resume the removal of all structures within the designated alignment. The first notice to remove was issued in 2021, with subsequent notices served, the latest being in November 2023 after a stakeholder meeting.

Earlier today, I, the SA on Environment, Hon. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the PS OES, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, PS ODS, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite and other Directors again visited the ongoing reclamation of the drainage setback on System 1 (Odo Iyalaro – Ogudu reach). We also visited Mende… pic.twitter.com/04XeQxtXpm

— Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab) May 4, 2024