Residents of the Natufe/Animashaun community, off Babs Animashaun Road in the Bode Thomas area of Surulere, Lagos, have taken to the streets to protest the construction of a cemetery in their neighbourhood, describing the project as illegal, hazardous, and environmentally unsafe.
Carrying placards that read “No to Cemetery in Nature Estate,” “Don’t Turn Our Homes into a Graveyard,” and “Say No to Nightmares,” the protesters chanted slogans rejecting the development. They also vowed to march to the Lagos State Government House in Alausa, Ikeja, to demand urgent intervention.
According to the residents, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) had twice marked the site—located directly under a power line—for contravention on June 16 and June 26, 2025. Despite this, the developer reportedly continued mobilising workers to the site.
Chairperson of the Natufe/Animashaun Community Development Association (CDA), Alhaja Aminat Omolabake Braimoh, said the project has thrown the community into panic.
“This is a threat to life and sanity. The site is opposite a school and within a densely populated area. Each time it rains, the school floods and the water seeps into our boreholes. If dead bodies are buried there, our drinking water will be contaminated,” she warned.
She appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and relevant authorities to halt the development, stressing that, “We are not against development, but this is not development — it is death beside our homes.”
Other residents, including Mr. Olanrewaju Olaniran and Mr. Seyi Oluwafolarin, also condemned the project as illegal and dangerous, warning that it could lead to epidemics, attract crime, and cause psychological distress.
Chairman of the Nature CDA, Mr. Devline Chigbo, urged that the land be used for productive ventures that promote growth and peace, not a cemetery that spreads fear among residents.
The protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until the project is permanently halted.
Efforts to reach officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development were unsuccessful as of press time, though sources hinted that the government may soon invite community representatives for dialogue to ease the tension.
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