The South West Youth Alliance has cautioned the African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and his supporters against mobilising or staging any form of protest in Lagos State over the recent demolition of illegal structures in Oworonshoki.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Adenika Ajanlekoko, the group commended the Lagos State Police Command for its timely warning to Sowore and his followers, stressing that any attempt to disrupt public peace under the guise of protest would be met with the full weight of the law.
The Alliance warned that the Third Mainland Bridge, being a critical national infrastructure, must not be tampered with, noting that any attempt to block it would not only endanger lives but also cripple economic activities within the state and beyond.
It recalled that demolition exercises have been ongoing in Oworonshoki since 2023, with another phase carried out in September 2025. The Lagos State Government, the group noted, has consistently justified the exercise as part of efforts to ensure proper urban planning and compliance with environmental laws.
According to the statement, the latest demolition phase was aimed at curbing flooding and addressing environmental degradation along the riverbank, as well as flushing out criminal elements who had allegedly used the area as a base to attack commuters on the Third Mainland Bridge.
“Apparently, the decision of the Lagos State Government was inspired by both environmental and security considerations, and we must all commend such proactive governance,” the group stated.
The South West Youth Alliance also cited relevant provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that while citizens have the right to acquire property, the government equally has the power to revoke such ownership in the overriding public interest or for reasons of public safety.
The group further commended the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) for compensating affected property owners, describing the recent payment exercises as proof of the government’s commitment to fairness and due process.
It also lauded the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, for maintaining peace and order in Lagos through professional handling of protests since assuming office.
Recalling the destruction and loss of lives during the #EndSARS protests, the Alliance urged Sowore to avoid plunging the state into another round of unrest.
“Lagos cannot afford another protest that threatens lives, property, and public infrastructure. We therefore call on Mr Sowore to shelve his plans and channel his energy into constructive dialogue rather than incitement,” the statement concluded.
