Magodo gorge development threat draws backlash as residents urge Governor Sanwo-Olu to stop unsafe construction risking flooding, landslides, and property
Magodo gorge development threat has ignited a wave of public outrage as residents of Magodo GRA Phase 2 in Lagos raise alarm over what they describe as an environmentally reckless and life-endangering construction project; allegedly approved by officials in the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning.
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In a statement released Monday, 4th August 2025, the South East Zone executives of the Magodo GRA Phase 2 Residents Association said they are deeply alarmed by plans to develop a site that was originally classified as a gorge in the estate’s masterplan.
The location, they said, is a critical part of Lagos’ natural flood management system and remains undevelopable due to its landlocked nature and fragile terrain.
The statement, jointly issued on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Central Coordinating Committee and Community Management Committee by MRA Chairman, Niyi Odusi, described the move as a “Save-Our-Souls and Properties” call to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and all well-meaning Lagosians.
The community warned that the construction will result in infrastructural degradation, environmental collapse, and property damage.
The area under threat borders wetlands stretching from under Otedola Bridge to Ikorodu via Agiliti and Mile 12. These wetlands collect stormwater from multiple parts of Lagos including Ikeja, Ogba and Alausa.
The gorge’s sand mass and vegetation, which were cultivated and preserved by residents, have historically protected Magodo from soil erosion, flood disasters, and related health crises.
According to the association, prior efforts by developers to build on the land failed over a decade ago due to its inaccessibility.
But in the past year, residents have faced repeated pressure to allow redevelopment, with what they suspect to be connivance from powerful actors in the state’s planning ministry.
The current push to excavate the cliff and commence construction comes at the peak of Lagos’ rainy season, when the soil is most vulnerable to landslides.
In April 2025, the MRA formally notified the Ministry of Physical Planning and other agencies about the threats posed by the project, expecting immediate intervention.
Instead, the developer reportedly proceeded with the demolition of an existing uncompleted structure using armed state-backed personnel, which residents believe was intended to intimidate the community and create a false sense of legitimacy for further construction.
Residents say the demolition has already led to intermittent property damage and health hazards due to dust, vibrations, and noise. Furthermore, they cite an independently commissioned Environmental Impact Assessment that confirms the location is unsuitable for any form of development.
The access road to the gorge is limited, and the crescent leading to the site is already saturated. There is no infrastructure in place to support construction, drainage, or safe habitation. Attempting to build there, residents argue, will put lives and millions in property investments at severe risk.
They accuse certain individuals in government of prioritising personal or pecuniary gain over the wellbeing of law-abiding citizens. The residents describe the move as a violation of original town planning decisions, executed without proper environmental study or public engagement.
This is a self-centred decision at the expense of the greater good. It lacks proper impact assessment or public consultation.
The Magodo GRA Phase 2 community has now formally called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to issue an immediate stop order on all activity within the gorge at the Green Valley Zone. They are asking for a reinstatement of the site’s natural setting, verification of its original designation on official maps, and full indemnity for any future harm caused by the development.
While expressing disappointment in the handling of the matter so far, residents commended Lagos Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Tokunbo Wahab, for visiting the estate and acknowledging the importance of preserving its natural terrain.
They also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his past interventions in protecting the estate during periods of land invasion and expressed hope that he would act swiftly again to avert an environmental disaster.
The community insists that its residents are peaceful and law-abiding, but will not remain silent in the face of what they consider an existential threat.
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With drone images, environmental reports and legal objections now made public, they say the future safety of the estate; and Lagos at large, depends on whether this dangerous plan is halted immediately.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
