Concerned residents of Magodo Phase II in Lagos State have formally petitioned Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urging immediate intervention over what they described as the illegal development of buildings on a landlocked gorge within their estate.

In a letter signed by Niyi Odusi, Chairman of the Magodo Residents Association, MRA, the community raised alarm over the ongoing construction activities at the Green Valley Zone (popularly referred to as “Oko Filling”), alleging violations of the original Lagos State master plan.

According to the residents, the site in question was earmarked as a natural gorge and plays a crucial ecological role.

It serves as a water collection basin supported by natural vegetation and sand formations that help stabilize the elevated terrain surrounding the estate.

“The construction on this landlocked gorge presents a serious threat to the safety of existing properties and infrastructure,” the residents warned, describing the location as “prone to mudslides, flooding, and other environmental hazards.”

They also alleged that the project is being executed with the backing of certain officials within the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, despite the fact that past attempts to develop the area had been halted due to its classification in the master plan.

“Our concern is that developers, aided by top officials of Lagos State Physical Planning, are bent on distorting the natural setting and peace of our environment at the expense of existing properly situated properties and infrastructural conveniences,” the MRA stated.

The residents claim they had earlier alerted relevant government departments through a formal letter dated April 24, 2025, warning of the environmental and structural risks such development could pose. However, no definitive action has been taken.

They also allege that the developer in question recently invited government officials, accompanied by armed security operatives, to carry out a purported demolition of an “illegal structure” on the same site, a move residents say is an attempt to disguise fresh construction under the pretext of corrective measures.

“This obviously is to intimidate residents from asking legitimate questions regarding the dangerous activities,” the MRA said, noting that the demolition process itself has caused intermittent disturbances and damage to neighbouring properties.

In their petition to the governor, the residents issued the following demands:

That all activities within the gorge be halted immediately through a stop-work order.

That the Ministry of Physical Planning and other relevant agencies be directed to revert to the estate’s original layout and master plan.

That the developer be mandated to restore the natural terrain and ecology of the affected location.

If the government insists on allowing any form of development, adequate infrastructure, including road access and drainage, must first be put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

That the state indemnify all affected residents against potential losses or hazards arising from the controversial development.