…As Assembly probes deaths in the community

By Ebun Sessou & Monsuru Olowoopejo

Lagos—Activities at the office of the Lagos State Governor and House of Assembly were yesterday halted by residents of Otodogbami Community, Eti-Osa Local Government, protesting alleged killings and demolition of over 800 structures within the community. The protest was the second after the first held on Monday.

Vanguard gathered that over eight persons drowned while trying to escape from the scene of the clash, between the Yoruba and Egun residents, through the lagoon behind the community.

When Vanguard visited the scene at about 2:00 pm, both entrances to the office of the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the House of Assembly were barricaded by the protesters,  forcing the security officials  to shut the gates.

•Remnants of Otodo Gbami community yesterday. PHOTO: Monsuru Olowoopejo

Also, Mobolaji Johnson and governor’s roads were barricaded by the protesters who chanted several songs to express their displeasure.

Some of the lawmakers, government officials and other visitors to the seat of power, were forced to park their vehicles elsewhere while they trekked to their offices. The Deputy majority leader of the house, Jimoh Wahab, representing Apapa 11 constituency, was forced to park his Sport Utility Vehicle outside the Assembly complex.

Gunshot at gov’s office gate

At about 2:30 pm when Vanguard visited one of the governor’s entrances on governor’s road, the policemen attached to the office had to shoot into the air to scare protesters away away.

Sources said that the gunshot was sequel to the mild drama that ensued when the protesters tried to deny workers entry.

Lagos Assembly probes deaths in the community

The Lagos State House of Assembly has set-up a committee to investigate alleged killings and destruction of property in Otodo-Gbami community.

According to the Speaker of the House, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, the committee is to be headed by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade.

Members of the committee as announced during plenary yesterday, include Mrs. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, Mr. Lanre Ogunyemi, Mr. Tunde Braimoh, and Mrs. Mosunmola Sangodara and they are to submit their report within one week.

The Speaker stated that the reports of the protest were in the newspapers and that the Assembly would not condone extra judicial killings in the state by security men, which he said was why the committee was set-up to investigate the matter.