Stakeholders Decry Demolition of 50 Buildings in Lagos by ‘Omo Onile’ Gangs

HStakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate sector have voiced strong condemnation following the demolition of approximately 50 homes in the Surulere area of Lagos State by suspected land grabbers, locally known as ‘Omo Onile’.

The incident, which occurred in the Amikanle community near the Command area of Alimosho Local Government Area, has left numerous homeowners counting heavy losses. According to reports, the thugs invaded the community on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, demanding payments ranging from N15 million to N25 million from residents. Homeowners who were unable to meet the demands reportedly had their properties razed.

The development has sparked outrage among industry professionals, who are calling for urgent reforms to protect property owners and boost investor confidence.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oikus, Mr. Israel Ihaza, condemned the act as a brazen abuse of power, emphasizing the need for transparency and proper documentation in the sector.

“It’s sad how some individuals continue to bastardise government authority and existing regulatory structures to carry out illegal activities,” Ihaza stated. He attributed the persistence of such incidents to systemic opacity, noting that unclear ownership records and weak enforcement create opportunities for criminal elements.

Ihaza acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to digitize land records and enforce regulations, describing them as crucial steps toward professionalizing the sector. However, he stressed the deep personal impact of such demolitions.

“Whenever a house is demolished, the damage goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It’s life savings; it’s retirement plans; it’s children’s school fees; and it’s stability,” he said. He warned that the broader implication is a chilling effect on investment, creating fear among local investors and Nigerians in the diaspora. “Fear slows economic growth. Decisive enforcement within the framework of the law is essential to strengthen investor confidence.”

Legal practitioner and counsel to project-affected persons, Mr. Sola Enitan, described demolition as a troubling mode of extortion in Lagos State. He urged the affected community members to fight for their rights.

Enitan provided a stark assessment of the financial impact, estimating that demolition-related losses in Lagos over the past two years could be as high as N2 trillion. Regarding the latest incident, he calculated the direct losses: “Fifty-two buildings, conservatively priced at N50m each, amount to N2.6bn.”

He further warned of the cascading economic consequences, stating, “For every single house you demolish, ten people will take their money elsewhere, and housing for at least 100 people will be removed from the sector.” He characterized the act as a major disruption to investment and housing availability in the state.

The recurring menace of ‘Omo Onile’ individuals who often act as unofficial land agents and enforcers remains a significant challenge to real estate development and homeownership in parts of Lagos.