Former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate for the Labour Party (LP) Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has called for greater transparency and accountability concerning a $100 million land acquisition deal between Dangote Industries and the Lagos State government in Ibeju Lekki. The deal, which has resulted in the displacement of indigenous communities, has sparked significant controversy.
In a passionate statement, Rhodes-Vivour condemned the recent judicial ruling that appears to validate the displacement of local residents. “I’m deeply saddened by this judicial decision because the land grabbing and stealing of lands belonging to indigenous Lagosians without compensation will continue unabated,” he stated. “It is both criminal and unacceptable.”
Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that the ongoing development pattern in Lagos consistently serves elite interests, often at the expense of the local communities. “The criminal establishment continues to create development for the elites by displacing indigenous Lagosians without any care, plan, or compensation,” he said, adding that this practice only deepens inequality.
Following the Lagos High Court’s recent decision on the matter, the former gubernatorial candidate expressed his disappointment, labeling the policy as elitist and discriminatory. “This policy widens inequality, dehumanizes our people, and consigns entire communities to poverty,” Rhodes-Vivour remarked.
He stressed that a fundamental shift is necessary in how development projects are executed in Lagos to ensure that the rights and well-being of indigenous communities are prioritized.
