Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called upon landlords and property owners in Lagos State to avoid raising their rents and property values.

Naija News reports that Sanwo-Olu’s message to the landlords and property owners comes following the recent inauguration of major infrastructure projects in the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area.

In his address during the launch of the Abiola-Ajayi-Ogba and Obawole-Iju-Ishaga road projects on Monday, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that these developments are designed to address the difficulties faced by residents rather than to worsen them.

The newly inaugurated 643-meter road, which includes a bridge and slip roads, provides connectivity to areas that were previously accessible only through temporary wooden bridges that required a crossing fee.

“I appeal to landlords and landowners: do not increase your rents and property prices. The essence of the infrastructure built is to bring relief to the people and not burden residents,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The Lagos State Governor added: “I am committed to addressing the long-standing problems of communities, including flooding and commuting. These projects symbolise our dedication to improving Lagosians’ daily lives.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu told the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project was for the development of Nigeria.

Umahi disclosed that the monarch had complained about his land being affected by the project, but Tinubu had assured him that it was for the development of Nigeria.

Umahi claimed that those complaining about the project encroaching on their properties are not indigenes of Lagos.

He stated this last Thursday while fielding journalists’ questions after an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Works.

He said, “Unfortunately for these people that are talking, it is bare land, no houses are there. Even the Oba of Lagos’ land is affected. And he spoke to the President. The President said, ‘No, Oba, it is for development’. So, if Oba can give his empty land, who else?

“Those who are fighting for this land are not even the indigenes of Lagos, even though it doesn’t matter. But you can’t be more Catholic than the Pope.

“I know the woman behind it. There’s nothing she has not been talking about: playing all kinds of politics. But I’m equal to the task; I’m a man of courage. We are constructing the road along her contentious direction and nothing will stop it.”

Speaking further, the Minister claimed that those criticising Tinubu over the ongoing project are jealous of his performance.

According to him, Tinubu is acting in Nigeria’s best interest.

He argued that there is no decision Tinubu has ever taken that has failed.