…says the demolition exercise targeting illegal structures on drainage setbacks is part of a larger public safety initiative.
LAGOS, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has denied allegations that he or his ministry demanded N1 billion or received N700 million in exchange for halting the demolition of buildings at Oral Estate in the Ojota area of the state.
Describing the claims as “entirely false” and “a deliberate attempt to blackmail the government,” Wahab issued a strong rebuttal via a statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday.
“My attention has been drawn to a circulating video containing false and malicious allegations that the Ministry demanded money from property owners to pause the ongoing removal of structures on drainage setbacks at Oral Estate, Ikota,” Wahab said.
“I must state categorically that these claims are entirely false and a deliberate attempt to blackmail the government. Neither I nor any official from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has ever requested or received any payment, whether N1 billion, N700 million, or a single kobo, from any property owner.”
The commissioner emphasized that the demolition exercise targeting illegal structures on drainage setbacks is part of a larger public safety initiative by the state government to curb flooding and restore right of way across Lagos.
“The operation to clear the Right of Way and Setbacks to different channels and canals of illegal obstructions is a public safety imperative, and it has not been paused for any form of negotiation or payment. Our work continues,” Wahab said.
He also condemned what he described as “dangerous propaganda” aimed at distracting the ministry from its critical duties, vowing legal redress against the unnamed individuals behind the viral allegations.
“We take these defamatory allegations with the utmost seriousness. We shall be pursuing this matter legally, and the individual behind these claims will be required to provide proof to the appropriate authorities,” he concluded.
The Ministry has come under scrutiny in recent weeks following intensified demolition exercises across Lagos, particularly in flood-prone areas. Wahab has consistently maintained that the actions are in line with the state’s environmental regulations and long-term urban planning goals.
