Residents of Magodo GRA Phase 2 in Shangisha, Lagos, have raised fresh alarm over ongoing construction activities in a part of the estate they say is not meant for development. They are now pleading with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to quickly intervene before it leads to major flooding and damage to lives and properties.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Magodo Residents Association (MRA), through its Chairman, Mr. Niyi Odusi, expressed deep concern over what they described as the unlawful development of buildings in a land-locked location within the estate. The area, known as the Green Valley Zone, was originally marked as a gorge in the official Magodo GRA Phase 2 masterplan.
According to the MRA, the gorge is a natural drainage point that helps collect rainwater and prevent erosion. It is supported by vegetation and sand mass that help keep the elevated and low-lying parts of the estate balanced. The residents fear that building in that area will block the flow of water, which may cause serious flooding and damage to homes and infrastructure in the neighbourhood.
Mr. Odusi explained that the association had already written to the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and other relevant government agencies on 24th April 2025, warning them about the possible environmental disaster if the construction continued. However, he said nothing meaningful had been done since then to stop the developer.
He also accused some top officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning of working with the developer to push ahead with the construction, despite knowing the risks it poses to the community.
“Our concern is that developers, aided by top officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, are now bent on building in the gorge, thereby distorting the natural setting and peace of our environment,” Odusi said.
He said the natural gorge has always served the estate by managing rainwater and preventing floods, especially during the rainy season. Tampering with it, he said, will affect the environmental balance and may lead to disasters that could have been avoided.
The residents said the developer has continued construction without considering the effect on existing property owners, road networks, and general infrastructure in Magodo. They added that if the development continues, it would worsen traffic congestion within the estate, put pressure on water and power supply, and reduce the overall quality of life in the community.
Odusi said the Green Valley Zone has been stable for many years and should be protected as a key ecological area. He called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to use his office to stop the construction immediately and order that the natural setting of the gorge be restored.
The association also demanded that the government should carry out an independent investigation to find out which government officials may have helped the developer to get approvals illegally. They said anyone found guilty should be punished according to the law.
The Magodo Residents Association further requested that residents and property owners should be protected from any consequences of the ongoing construction. They urged the Lagos State Government to enforce the original Magodo GRA Phase 2 masterplan and protect all green areas and water drainage points across the state from illegal development.
“This is not just about buildings, it is about safety, planning integrity, and respect for nature,” Mr. Odusi said.
He assured that residents are ready to cooperate with the state government to find a peaceful and lawful solution to the matter but warned that the association will not allow anything that puts their lives or properties in danger.
As at the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning had not released any official statement in response to the complaints by the Magodo residents.
This development comes as Lagos faces increasing flooding challenges due to illegal construction, blocked drainages, and rapid urbanisation. Urban planning experts have often warned that failure to preserve natural drainage points such as wetlands, gorges, and green belts will continue to expose the city to the risk of heavy floods during rainy seasons.
The Magodo dispute highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and environmental protection in Lagos State, especially in highbrow areas where land is scarce and highly valuable.
