Ogun State Government has begun demolition of shanties erected on setbacks along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The government said the shanties were erected illegally and constituting environmental nuisances along that corridor.
Flagging off the demolition exercise at the Kara, OPIC axis in Isheri in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Farook Akintunde, said the state government embarked on the demolition after several warnings and notices served to the owners of the shanties who were mostly traders to vacate all the road setbacks and move to formally recognised markets.
“The state government will not fold its arms and watch these shanties deface the aesthetic beauty of the state which is the gateway to many states of the federation.
“These structures are not only an eyesore, they harbour criminals who disguise as traders during daytime but perpetuate their nefarious activities in the night.
“Aside from these, the genuine traders among them sell in a filthy environment which breeds rodents and vectors which have adverse health implications on those that patronise them especially unsuspecting commuters who desire quick-fix meals,” Akintunde said.
