Yemi Alade, a well-known Nigerian singer, is facing harsh criticism for saying that the Lagos State Government ordered the residents of Mende Estate Villa to leave their homes within two hours before they were demolished.
A video emerged on Sunday showing Alade expressing disapproval of the action, stating that it would discourage potential real estate investors in the state.
However, a Twitter user named Alli-Balogun H. Lekan, also known as @Allibaloo, refuted Alade’s claim on Monday, stating that the residents had been notified about the demolition in 2021.
@Allibaloo mentioned that the residents ignored the notice and hoped for a last-minute intervention to prevent the demolition.
He said, “We received notices of violation and demolition in 2021. The entire area falls within Kosofe Constituency 1. Even the honorable representative was surprised to find that none of the buildings had the necessary approvals from the Governor or CofO.”
“It’s regrettable, but the two-minute notice was untrue. Everyone was hoping for a miracle to happen and perhaps stop the bulldozer.”
He added that their houses would have been demolished during Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure as the state governor but it was postponed due to his unsuccessful second-term bid.
“The initial stakeholder engagement for my estate took place in 2018/19 during Ambode’s tenure… It’s something that’s imminent, and the reprieve came when Ambode couldn’t secure a second term. When the government announces their intention, it’s just a matter of time.
“It’s easy to say this. On average, over 1000 houses are constructed daily. The responsible agency issues violation notices, the contractor stops work for a day or two, and by Sunday or Monday, the decking is completed.
“Even if we assume this scenario is feasible, consider the government's cost of mobilizing bulldozers across the state to demolish illegal structures. Huh. The crux of the matter is that we all need to do what’s right and proper,” he added.
Unsatisfied with her posts about the demolition, internet users accused her of seeking attention.
Adex Smith, tweeting as @adex_smithjr, suggested that the government's action is in response to Alade's call to address flooding in the state in 2022.
@adex_smithjr wrote, “Dear Yemi Alade, you filed a complaint about annual flooding in Lagos in 2022. The government is taking steps in our interest, but you're still complaining. Do you have any empathy? Are you aware of the damage caused by buildings on drainage systems and the sewage system of Lagos State to many homes and communities?
“Do you even realize that it is these communities that go to Alausa to report suffering from flooding due to houses built on drainage systems? You are a public figure and should know better, advising the public not to build on drainage systems instead of emotionally pressuring the Lagos State Government. If you don’t invest in Lagos, others will, and they will do so responsibly and in accordance with government regulations, not just build shanties. You need to improve, No Shades”
A Twitter user, Schrodinger, known as @Goddleader, wrote, “Lagos needs responsible investors, not like your own or your associates.”
On X.com, @Olamother4luv, tweeting as OlaD24real, claimed that the artist was only seeking attention.
A user named SJohnson, who supports #LFC, urged Alade to delete her tweet about the demolition.
He commented, “I hope she will remove that tweet and act with honor.”
Another user, Adeda, posting as @tosinadeda, mentioned that constructing on waterways without the government’s approval could result in imprisonment in other countries.
Joguns, tweeting as @segunjoguns, stated, “It’s either mischief or illiteracy for anyone to allege
@followlasg isn’t acting appropriately. The video you attached at 1 min, 53 secs was altered. Those with building approvals should suggest to @tokunbo_wahab and others for compensation to @jidesanwoolu
.”
Adeda, posting as @tosinadeda, mentioned, “Some actions we take in Nigeria could result in imprisonment if done abroad. On the Mende issue, just listen for yourself. Zero approvals, zero CofO, zero Governor’s consent. People have the audacity to build on waterways!”
Yemi Alade, in a now widely-circulated video, expressed that the state government did not properly inform the residents. claimed that the state government did not notify the residents properly.
“What is happening in Lagos State? Is it logical for people to invest millions of naira, millions of dollars into real estate?” She inquired.
