Afropop sensation Yemi Alade has voiced her concerns over the ongoing demolition of properties across Lagos State.
In a video that she shared, the singer warned of adverse effects on the real estate value of the country.
News About Nigeria reports that the singer’s criticism came in response to the latest round of demolitions in the Mende, Maryland area on Sunday morning.
Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources were reported to have demolished buildings believed to be obstructing a drainage channel.
Alade, in a viral video shared on Sunday, May 5, 2024, questioned the rationale behind the state government’s continuous demolition exercise, expressing worry over its potential impact on both Lagos State and Nigeria’s real estate value.
In her address, the ‘Johnny’ crooner lamented the losses incurred by owners of the demolished houses, questioning why the government couldn’t explore alternative solutions to address the issue without rendering citizens homeless overnight.
She pointed out that such actions undermine the efforts of citizens to build generational wealth and create a better life for themselves.
“You’re ruining the real estate value of the country, ruining the real estate value of the Lagos. Making people lose trust not only just in the idea of Nigeria but lose hope entirely in the little coin they’ve saved to make their lives worthwhile. To create some kind of generational wealth.
“How is this okay? And why? Does it make sense? Multi-million dollar houses, there is a better way to do things,” she said.
The ongoing demolition drive by the Lagos government has been part of efforts to clear illegal structures erected on water channels and unauthorised locations across the state.
This initiative, which began last year, has affected properties in various estates on the Island and other parts of Lagos.
Businesses housed in these structures have also been impacted by the demolitions.
