Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain in Lagos State and former Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election, has raised the alarm that about 80% of Lagos residents are living in poverty, attributing the crisis to exclusionary urban development policies that sideline the majority.
Speaking in a candid interview on ARISE News Channel on Thursday, January 16, 2026, Rhodes-Vivour condemned the ongoing demolition of buildings at Jakande Estate in Ilasan as unlawful, anti-poor, and emblematic of a government that prioritizes private interests over public welfare.
Drawing from his firsthand experience at the demolition site, Rhodes-Vivour described shocking scenes of violence by Lagos State Task Force operatives. He recounted:“I went to Ilasan and saw, first-hand, the brutality. In front of me, they beat this man to coma. In front of me. The so-called task force of Lagos State threatened to beat me and started beating people next to me mercilessly.”
He further alleged that an engineer named Umaru was detained for three days, subjected to physical abuse, and tear-gassed during the confrontation. Rhodes-Vivour labeled the actions as defining features of a “lawless government” that disregards court injunctions restraining the exercise.
While acknowledging the government's promise of compensation, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the offered N11.2 million as grossly inadequate:
“N11.2 million cannot afford a two or three-bedroom apartment in that area today. To afford N11.2 million in rent, you need to be earning almost N2 million a month. How many poor Lagosians earn N2 million a month?”
He accused authorities of misusing Section 28 of the Land Use Act, which permits land acquisition for overriding public interest, to instead hand over properties to private developers for luxury housing that remains out of reach for ordinary citizens.
Many affected residents at Jakande Estate had resided there for over two decades with valid title documents, yet faced sudden displacement without fair recompense. Rhodes-Vivour warned that such demolitions are fueling homelessness, particularly among young men, and deepening the cost-of-living crisis:
“You now have a huge number of homeless young men walking the streets without shelter. Development is constantly at the exclusion of the poor.”
The outspoken politician stressed that he is not against urban growth or development, but insisted it must be humane, just, and inclusive:
“Cities must grow and develop, but it should not be at the detriment of the poor. Development pursued without justice and inclusion would continue to alienate the majority of Lagos residents.”
Rhodes-Vivour's strong critique comes amid a series of high-profile demolitions across Lagos, including waterfront communities, which have sparked protests and calls for empathy from civil society groups.
His comments highlight growing concerns over inequality in Africa's most populous city, where rapid urbanization and economic growth have failed to translate into improved living standards for the masses.
As debates rage on inclusive urban planning and the rule of law in Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour's intervention serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of aggressive redevelopment policies. Stay tuned for more updates on Lagos demolitions, poverty statistics, and political reactions in 2026!
Speaking in a candid interview on ARISE News Channel on Thursday, January 16, 2026, Rhodes-Vivour condemned the ongoing demolition of buildings at Jakande Estate in Ilasan as unlawful, anti-poor, and emblematic of a government that prioritizes private interests over public welfare.
Drawing from his firsthand experience at the demolition site, Rhodes-Vivour described shocking scenes of violence by Lagos State Task Force operatives. He recounted:“I went to Ilasan and saw, first-hand, the brutality. In front of me, they beat this man to coma. In front of me. The so-called task force of Lagos State threatened to beat me and started beating people next to me mercilessly.”
He further alleged that an engineer named Umaru was detained for three days, subjected to physical abuse, and tear-gassed during the confrontation. Rhodes-Vivour labeled the actions as defining features of a “lawless government” that disregards court injunctions restraining the exercise.
While acknowledging the government's promise of compensation, Rhodes-Vivour dismissed the offered N11.2 million as grossly inadequate:
“N11.2 million cannot afford a two or three-bedroom apartment in that area today. To afford N11.2 million in rent, you need to be earning almost N2 million a month. How many poor Lagosians earn N2 million a month?”
He accused authorities of misusing Section 28 of the Land Use Act, which permits land acquisition for overriding public interest, to instead hand over properties to private developers for luxury housing that remains out of reach for ordinary citizens.
Many affected residents at Jakande Estate had resided there for over two decades with valid title documents, yet faced sudden displacement without fair recompense. Rhodes-Vivour warned that such demolitions are fueling homelessness, particularly among young men, and deepening the cost-of-living crisis:
“You now have a huge number of homeless young men walking the streets without shelter. Development is constantly at the exclusion of the poor.”
The outspoken politician stressed that he is not against urban growth or development, but insisted it must be humane, just, and inclusive:
“Cities must grow and develop, but it should not be at the detriment of the poor. Development pursued without justice and inclusion would continue to alienate the majority of Lagos residents.”
Rhodes-Vivour's strong critique comes amid a series of high-profile demolitions across Lagos, including waterfront communities, which have sparked protests and calls for empathy from civil society groups.
His comments highlight growing concerns over inequality in Africa's most populous city, where rapid urbanization and economic growth have failed to translate into improved living standards for the masses.
As debates rage on inclusive urban planning and the rule of law in Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour's intervention serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of aggressive redevelopment policies. Stay tuned for more updates on Lagos demolitions, poverty statistics, and political reactions in 2026!
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