In a forceful rebuttal to a viral video circulating online, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has categorically dismissed claims that officials from his ministry demanded N700 million to halt the demolition of properties at Oral Estate, Ikota. Labeling the allegations as false, malicious, and a calculated attempt to undermine the state government’s efforts, Wahab emphasized that neither he nor any ministry official had solicited or received payments to influence ongoing enforcement actions. The commissioner’s response, issued via a statement on his official social media platforms on Sunday, October 5, 2025, seeks to set the record straight and reaffirm the government’s commitment to public safety and flood prevention.
The controversial video, which gained significant traction online, featured a woman claiming that ministry officials, including Wahab himself, had initially demanded N1 billion to suspend the demolition of structures built on drainage setbacks in Oral Estate. According to the woman, this amount was subsequently negotiated down to N700 million, and residents of the estate were purportedly scrambling to raise the funds to meet the alleged demand by the end of the month. The video’s inflammatory claims sparked widespread outrage and speculation, prompting Wahab to address the issue head-on to dispel what he described as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the government’s reputation and derail its mission.
In his statement, Wahab minced no words, asserting, “My attention has been drawn to a circulating video containing false and malicious allegations that the Ministry demanded money from property owners to pause the ongoing removal of structures on drainage setbacks at Oral Estate, Ikota. I must state categorically that these claims are entirely false and a deliberate attempt to blackmail the government. Neither I nor any official from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has ever requested nor received any payment, whether N1 billion, N700 million, or a single kobo, from any property owner.”
The commissioner underscored that the ongoing demolition exercise in Ikota and surrounding areas is part of a broader initiative to clear illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and canals. This, he explained, is a critical public safety measure aimed at mitigating the perennial flooding that threatens lives and property in Lagos, particularly during the rainy season. Wahab stressed that the operation is non-negotiable and cannot be swayed by financial inducements, as its primary objective is to protect the majority of Lagosians from the devastating impacts of flooding.
“The operation to clear the Right of Way and Setbacks to different channels and canals of illegal obstructions is a public safety imperative, and it has not been paused for any form of negotiation or payment. Our work continues,” Wahab declared. He further described the viral video as a “dangerous distraction” from the ministry’s critical mission to safeguard the state’s residents and infrastructure. The commissioner’s remarks highlight the government’s determination to prioritize environmental sustainability and public welfare over unfounded allegations and misinformation.
Wahab also warned that the ministry would not take the defamatory claims lightly and intends to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading the falsehoods. “We shall be pursuing this matter legally, and the individual behind these claims will be required to provide proof to the appropriate authorities,” he stated. This commitment to legal recourse signals the government’s intent to hold accountable those who propagate misinformation that could undermine public trust and hinder ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges in Lagos.
In addition to refuting the bribery allegations, Wahab took the opportunity to caution residents against engaging with intermediaries or making payments in connection with statutory enforcement exercises. He emphasized that the ministry operates with transparency and integrity, and any attempt to extort money under the guise of influencing official actions is fraudulent and should be reported immediately. This advisory underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining accountability and ensuring that its enforcement actions remain free from corruption.
The commissioner reaffirmed that the demolition of illegal structures in Ikota and neighboring estates would proceed as planned to ensure the free flow of water and prevent seasonal flooding. Lagos, a coastal megacity with a population exceeding 20 million, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its low-lying topography and extensive network of waterways. Unauthorized constructions on drainage setbacks exacerbate this vulnerability, obstructing natural water flow and increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains. The state government’s enforcement actions, though often controversial, are designed to address these challenges and protect communities from environmental hazards.
Wahab’s response also sheds light on the broader context of the government’s environmental agenda. Lagos State has been grappling with the dual challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change, which have intensified flooding risks in recent years. The removal of illegal structures on drainage channels is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the city’s resilience to climate-related threats and ensure sustainable urban development. By clearing obstructions, the government aims to improve drainage systems, reduce flood risks, and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The viral video and the subsequent controversy highlight the tensions that often arise when government policies intersect with private property rights. Demolition exercises, while necessary for public safety, can disrupt livelihoods and displace residents, leading to public discontent and, in some cases, misinformation campaigns. Wahab’s swift response demonstrates the government’s awareness of the need to manage public perception and counter false narratives that could erode trust in its initiatives.
As Lagos continues to grow as a commercial and economic hub, the state government faces the complex task of balancing development with environmental sustainability. The ongoing enforcement actions in Ikota are just one part of a larger effort to address urban planning challenges and ensure that the city remains livable for its residents. Wahab’s statement serves as both a defense of the government’s actions and a call for residents to support efforts to create a safer and more sustainable Lagos.
In conclusion, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has firmly rejected claims that his ministry demanded N700 million to halt demolitions at Oral Estate, Ikota. Describing the allegations as false and malicious, Wahab emphasized that the ongoing clearance of illegal structures is a critical public safety measure that will not be compromised. The ministry’s commitment to transparency, legal action against those spreading misinformation, and continued enforcement underscores the government’s resolve to protect Lagosians from flooding and other environmental risks. As the state navigates the challenges of urbanization and climate change, such efforts remain essential to ensuring a sustainable future for one of Africa’s largest cities.
