The Ilaje community of Lagos State has launched a bold and emotional protest against the recent demolition of their ancestral homes, declaring they will no longer endure systemic marginalization in a city they helped build. Chanting “We won’t continue to live like slaves in Lagos,” hundreds of Ilaje residents gathered to demand justice, recognition, and restoration of their heritage.
The demolitions, carried out under the guise of urban renewal, have displaced scores of families and razed homes that have stood for generations. The Ilaje people, known for their deep-rooted maritime culture and early settlement along Lagos’s coastal zones, say the destruction is not just physical—it’s cultural erasure.
“We are not illegal occupants. We are the original custodians of this land,” said Mrs. Ronke Akinlabi, a community organizer. “Our ancestors settled here long before the city became a commercial hub. To demolish our homes without dialogue or compensation is a grave injustice.”
Historical Roots, Modern Struggles
The Ilaje trace their lineage in Lagos back centuries, contributing to the fishing economy and coastal development long before colonial infrastructure took shape. Despite this, they say they’ve been sidelined in policy decisions and treated as expendable in the face of gentrification.
“We are tired of being pushed to the margins,” said youth leader Timi Ologun. “We built this city with our sweat and saltwater. We will not be silenced.”