Korede Abdullah 
Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has denied allegations that he or officials of his ministry demanded ₦1 billion from property owners to stop the demolition of houses at Oral Estate, Ikota.
The allegation, contained in a viral video, featured a woman claiming that Wahab and his team initially demanded ₦1 billion and later agreed to ₦700 million to suspend the exercise.
“Thank God for today. We have peace of mind. The Commissioner… agreed to ₦700 million for piling,” the woman said in the clip.
Reacting in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Wahab dismissed the claim as “false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to blackmail the government.”
“Neither I nor any official from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has ever requested or received any payment—₦1 billion, ₦700 million, or even a kobo—from any property owner,” he wrote.
He explained that the demolition of illegal structures along drainage setbacks and canals remains a public safety measure to prevent flooding and protect residents. “Our work continues and has not been paused for any negotiation or payment,” he stressed.
Wahab said the ministry views the defamatory video seriously and will seek legal redress. “The individual behind these claims will be required to provide proof before the appropriate authorities,” he added.
The commissioner also warned residents against paying intermediaries or anyone claiming influence over enforcement actions.
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Chukwu Obinna 
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