The group made the demand on Wednesday while welcoming the Lagos State Government’s decision to suspend the demolition exercise in the Makoko community.
The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has demanded the immediate sacking of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, and prosecution of all the police officers involved in the execution of the violent demolition of structures and forced eviction of residents of the Makoko community.
The group made the demand on Wednesday while welcoming the Lagos State Government’s decision to suspend the demolition exercise in the Makoko community.
The YRC, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, and National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, also demanded compensation for affected residents, describing the suspension of the demolition as a victory forced by sustained public pressure and community resistance.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State government bowed to public pressure and announced the suspension of the violent demolition exercise and forced eviction in the Makoko Community.
The State House of Assembly ordered the immediate suspension of the demolition following sustained protests by residents and civil society groups.
The directive was announced on Tuesday by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Noheem Adams, in a statement issued after deliberations by lawmakers on the controversial exercise.
The decision comes amid growing public outcry and demonstrations by activists and members of the Makoko community, who had raised concerns over displacement and alleged lack of adequate consultation.
SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday that the Ogu General Assembly (OGA), a socio-cultural organization representing the interests of the people of Ogu (Egun) descent in Lagos State, strongly condemned the violent demolition and forced displacement of the Makoko waterfront community.
It accused Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration of systematic ethnic cleansing of Ogu-dominated littoral settlements under the guise of urban development.
However, the YRC warned that the halt should be treated with caution, urging residents and supporters to remain vigilant until all demands are fully met.
According to the group, the Makoko development demonstrates that “a united and determined struggle of the poor and working people can compel concessions from those in power,” adding that governments often act only when confronted with organised resistance.
The YRC noted that while the suspension in Makoko represents a partial victory, similar cases of eviction and demolition have continued in other Lagos communities, including Ajegunle, Bariga, Oworoshoki, and Owode Onirin.
It called on the state government to immediately extend the suspension and compensation to all affected communities “without discrimination or delay.”
The group also cautioned against interpreting the suspension as a permanent policy shift, warning that such concessions could be temporary and politically motivated.
“Communities must therefore reject any attempt to present this victory as an act of government magnanimity. Instead, it should inspire deeper organisation and political consciousness,” the statement read.
The YRC further called for broader political mobilisation, urging workers, youths, and affected communities to unite around what it described as a “genuine working people’s political alternative” that prioritises social welfare over profit.
The group criticised existing political parties for concentrating wealth among a few while leaving the majority in poverty and insecurity.
Meanwhile, the YRC demanded the immediate removal of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, and the prosecution of police officers involved in attacks and killings of peaceful protesters during the anti-demolition operations and protests in Makoko, Oworoshoki, Owode, and Ajegunle communities.
The group noted that dozens of residents were killed and many protesters were injured during confrontations with security operatives during the demolition operations in the affected communities.
The group stated, “We in the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) reiterate our call for the immediate sack of the notorious Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ibrahim, and the prosecution of all the police officers involved in the killing of 53 residents of Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode, and Ajegunle during the process of cruel demolition.
“Also, officers under the watch of Ibrahim Jimoh attacked protesters and injured many. These are vicious crimes against humanity that must not be overlooked.
“We also demand the immediate release of the truck with sound equipment and mobile phones that were illegally seized by the police at the protest on January 28 at the Lagos State House of Assembly.”