A video has gone viral on social media showing a woman in Lagos State bemoaning a demolition notice served on her property just two months after moving in.
In the video, the woman, who has not been identified, is seen in tears as she recounts the ordeal. A picture of a demolition notice dated May 7, 2024, was also attached to the video.
“We bought that property in February, and we’ve only been there for two months. All the hard work, all the sleepless nights, everything… If you’re in Lagos, you’ll know how much property in Eti Osa costs,” she said.
She expressed her struggles with explaining the situation to her children, especially her son, who often sees her crying. “I don’t wish for anybody to work so hard and face something like this. I don’t.”
The video, shared on X, @Spotlight Abby, has sparked reactions from netizens. Some sympathized with the couple, while others criticized their decision to invest in Lagos real estate, citing recent demolition incidents.
The incident highlights the importance of thorough due diligence before investing in real estate in Lagos, a state known for its complex investment landscape and occasional property demolitions.
This situation is reminiscent of the recent controversy surrounding the demolition of houses in Mende Estate Villa, Maryland, Lagos State. Residents there also sought compensation for their demolished properties.
Speaking on the matter, the state’s commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that the government had issued demolition notices to Mende Villa Estate residents in 2021 and 2023.
Wahab also hinted that illegal builders whose houses are demolished may soon be required to pay for the demolition.
In response to the video, @RealQueenBee_ stated, “I have no pity for anyone that’s still investing in Lagos. Those that have invested, this is the time to start scaling down your existing investments to other investment-friendly states.”
@mon45995172 commented, “They have ears, but def. They will learn in a hard way. Lagos is never a good place. 2012 my dad warned me to re-sell the land I bought at Ikoyi and relocate my project home, best advice a father that foresaw the future. Only mad people invest in Lagos.”
@usmanolatunji3 sarcastically responded, “”Only mad people invest in Lagos”. Coming from someone whose family doesn’t own a plot of land 😂😂😂.”
@Ocheson01 agreed, stating, “Exactly, they think it’s a joke? Don’t invest in Lagos, take that warning seriously.”
@Dapsijaiye urges investors to remain vigilant and cautious, stating, “Shine your eyes if you are investing in the Lagos property market. These tales are just frightening 🤔🤔.”
Expressing sympathy for a family affected by property issues @OlabisiLaw, wrote, “I sympathize with her and family. Probably due diligence wasn’t done before buying the property. I plead for Lagos Govt to compensate this family on a compassionate ground.”
Inquiring about the accountability of property sellers @OlaRanger1, queried, “So, what is the responsibility/penalty of the company that sold the property?. Should they not be liable for selling a property that has issues? I think the focus should shift ro the realtors now, more than ever before.”
@flourush007, expressing sorrow over the situation, said, “This is heartbreaking, really. Lagos state doesn’t encourage people to invest their hard earned money in the state. @jidesanwoolu. Here is another victim of “come and invest in Lagos.”
𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞
A viral video circulating on social media shows a woman lamenting the demolition notice served on her… pic.twitter.com/ILHxPGgCJV
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) May 13, 2024