The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to maintain public order and environmental safety by issuing a 24-hour eviction notice to individuals illegally occupying the Oja Oba Underbridge at Adeniji Adele. This directive follows a startling revelation that the public infrastructure was being misused for livestock rearing, raising concerns over sanitation, urban planning, and security.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, disclosed the development through a post on X.com on Wednesday, sharing a video that captured the extent of the illegal occupation. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate any unlawful conversion of public spaces into personal settlements, particularly those that pose health and environmental hazards.

\"During our clearance operation at Oja Oba Underbridge, Adeniji Adele, we discovered a section being used for livestock rearing. This misuse of public infrastructure poses environmental and safety risks,\" Wahab stated. He further warned that the state authorities would enforce the eviction if the occupants failed to comply within the stipulated time frame. \"The occupants have been given 24 hours to vacate before we proceed with the removal of all illegal shanties.\"

The Lagos State Government’s action is part of a broader initiative to reclaim public spaces that have been encroached upon by unauthorized individuals and businesses. The Oja Oba Underbridge, meant to facilitate seamless traffic movement and ensure urban planning orderliness, had gradually transformed into an illegal settlement, housing both individuals and livestock in substandard conditions.

Authorities have frequently raised alarms over the growing trend of illegal occupation of public spaces in Lagos. Several bridges, drainage systems, and sidewalks have been converted into makeshift homes and commercial hubs, exacerbating congestion, increasing the risk of accidents, and fostering unsanitary conditions. The latest eviction order aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to restore order and rid Lagos of such infractions.

The discovery of livestock rearing beneath the bridge adds another layer of concern. Besides obstructing pedestrian pathways and vehicle routes, the presence of animals in non-designated areas raises the risk of zoonotic diseases, environmental pollution, and structural degradation. Experts warn that allowing livestock to be kept in an urban setting without regulation can lead to unhygienic conditions, further straining public health management in the state.

As the eviction deadline looms, the affected individuals face uncertainty. While some argue that the lack of affordable housing and proper marketplaces forces them to seek alternative spaces, the government remains firm in its decision to enforce urban planning regulations. The removal of illegal structures is expected to pave the way for a more organized and hygienic environment.

The crackdown on illegal settlements and livestock rearing under bridges is not an isolated case. In recent years, the Lagos State Government has carried out multiple clearance operations in areas like Ijora, Oshodi, and Apapa, where makeshift markets and homes had taken over public infrastructure. These interventions have often sparked debates about the need for a sustainable approach to resettling displaced individuals while maintaining urban order.

Environmental activists and urban planners have weighed in on the development, with many supporting the government’s actions while urging authorities to provide alternative spaces for affected individuals. Some have suggested the creation of designated zones where livestock rearing and informal trade can be conducted without disrupting public infrastructure. Others argue that stricter enforcement of land-use laws and investment in affordable housing projects will help address the root cause of illegal settlements in Lagos.

Meanwhile, the state government has assured residents that the ongoing operations are aimed at improving the quality of life in Lagos. Officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing laws that protect public spaces while seeking sustainable solutions to accommodate the city’s growing population. Wahab’s statement reflects this balance, emphasizing the need for compliance with environmental and urban planning regulations.

As Lagos continues to evolve as a mega city, the challenge of urban management remains a pressing issue. The latest eviction notice serves as a reminder that while economic hardship may drive individuals to seek unconventional means of livelihood, adherence to the law and preservation of public spaces cannot be compromised. The next 24 hours will determine whether the illegal occupants of the Oja Oba Underbridge comply with the directive or face forceful eviction by state authorities.