Residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Sogunro in the Yaba area of Lagos State have rejected plans to relocate them to the Epe axis of the state following the demolition of their homes and recommendations by the State House of Assembly.

Some residents, who spoke in separate interviews on Wednesday, said they never reached any agreement with the state government regarding relocation to another part of the state.

The Secretary of the Makoko Gunuvi Student Association, Zannu Silivester, told journalists that discussions between the communities and the government had only involved suggestions and deliberations, without any binding agreement on relocation.

According to him, the announcement of a relocation plan came as a surprise to many residents of the waterfront settlements.

“All discussions held so far have only involved suggestions and debates between the Lagos State Government and residents of the Makoko waterfront community.

“We are surprised that a conclusion was announced and published without the knowledge or agreement of the Makoko community.

“Nigeria is a democratic nation, and democracy means the people have the right to choose their future, not decisions being imposed on them without consultation,” he said.

Silivester added that residents would not rule out staging a peaceful protest if the relocation plan proceeds without their consent.

“The people of Makoko are law-abiding citizens, but we will continue to defend our rights, heritage and ancestral homes. We urge the government to fulfil the promises made to the citizens of Makoko and to engage with the community in a transparent and democratic manner.

“If our voices continue to be ignored, the people of Makoko are prepared to mobilise peacefully in large numbers again, even greater than our previous visit to the Lagos State House of Assembly, to defend our rights and seek justice,” he added.