By Our Correspondent
Stakeholders in Lagos State’s real estate sector have raised alarm over the demolition of approximately 50 buildings in the Surulere community, allegedly by land grabbers known as Omo Onile.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, in the Amikanle area near the Command section of Alimosho Local Government, has left homeowners counting significant losses after thugs reportedly demanded between N15 million and N25 million from property owners.
Those unable to pay reportedly faced demolition of their homes.
Mr. Israel Ihaza, founder and CEO of Oikus, condemned the attacks, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency, proper documentation, and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
He explained that unclear ownership records and fragmented property visibility create opportunities for exploitation by criminal elements.
“Disorder thrives where enforcement is weak. Strengthening systems and digitizing property records are essential to protect homeowners and attract investors,” Ihaza said.
He also highlighted the broader economic impact of such illegal demolitions, noting that beyond the loss of property, families lose life savings, retirement plans, and children’s education funds.
Ihaza stressed that fear generated by these incidents discourages local and diaspora investors and slows real estate development, underscoring the importance of visible legal consequences for perpetrators.
Sola Enitan, legal counsel representing Project Affected Persons along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway 150-metre setback, described the demolitions as a growing tool for extortion in Lagos.
Enitan urged affected homeowners to assert their legal rights and fight such unlawful actions.
The financial implications are substantial: 52 buildings valued at an estimated N50 million each represent a loss of approximately N2.6 billion, highlighting the scale of damage to the local housing market and potential displacement of hundreds of residents.
Authorities continue efforts to digitize property records, professionalize the real estate sector, and enhance accountability across the value chain.
Real estate experts stress that tackling the Omo Onile menace requires structured regulation, timely enforcement, and strong legal deterrents to protect homeowners and restore investor confidence in Lagos property markets.
