The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Akeem Olalekan Dauda, has demolished shanties allegedly used by robbers and miscreants to dispossess motorists and pedestrians of their belongings around Alade Market and Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja.
The enforcement exercise, which followed intelligence reports, targeted makeshift structures erected along the road setback in the axis. According to sources within the council, the shanties were being used as hideouts by criminal elements who attacked unsuspecting motorists and passers-by at night.
In a decisive move last Thursday, the chairman led key council officials and environmental officers to the back of Alade Market and parts of Awolowo Way around Allen Bus Stop to inspect and remove the illegal structures.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Olalekan Oni, the council said:
“The operation commenced at Alade, off Awolowo Road, where illegal shanties erected in violation of environmental and urban planning regulations were removed. These structures had not only defaced the environment but also posed health, security and safety risks to residents and passers-by. Their removal underscores the administration’s zero tolerance for environmental degradation and unauthorized developments.”
The statement further disclosed that Chairman Dauda, popularly known as AKOD, alongside officials of the Environment and Sanitation Department led by Sanitarian Mrs. Omotosho, proceeded on an inspection tour across the Allen–Alausa axis.
“During the exercise, several companies and commercial outlets found contravening environmental laws — particularly in waste disposal, setback encroachment and general sanitation practices — were issued stern warnings and served compliance notices,” the statement said.
Reiterating his administration’s stance, the chairman emphasized that environmental protection remains a collective responsibility and a non-negotiable priority.
“Ikeja, as the capital of Lagos State, must set the benchmark in cleanliness, orderliness and regulatory compliance,” he stated.
The council noted that the enforcement drive aligns with the “E” Pillar (Environment) of the I.K.E.J.A Agenda – the administration’s development blueprint prioritizing environmental sustainability, urban renewal, public health safety and strict adherence to sanitation laws.
The chairman affirmed that monitoring and enforcement operations would be sustained and intensified to ensure that Ikeja remains clean, safe and business-friendly.
