Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos Floods Leave Homes, Roads Underwater as Heavy Rain Disrupts Movement Across City

    Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several parts of Lagos State, leaving major roads, homes and businesses submerged as residents grapple with another round of disruptions during the rainy season.

    The flooding, which followed intense downpours in late June 2026, affected communities including Lekki, Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, while sections of major highways also became impassable.

    Roads and homes submerged

    Several motorists were stranded as floodwaters overtook key roads, forcing commuters to abandon their vehicles or trek through flooded streets. In Ajiran, Lekki, floodwaters entered residential buildings, leaving many families counting their losses.

    Residents also reported business disruptions as shops remained inaccessible in some of the affected communities.

    Watch one of the scenes from the flooding here:

     

    Why Lagos keeps flooding

    Lagos has continued to experience seasonal flooding because of its low-lying coastal location, rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage infrastructure and blocked waterways.

    Environmental experts have also linked the situation to increasing rainfall intensity driven by changing climate patterns, while illegal developments on floodplains have worsened water flow in several parts of the state.

    Officials noted that rainfall recorded so far this year has already reached between 700mm and 900mm, with forecasts suggesting even heavier rains before the end of the rainy season.

    Government urges residents to remain cautious

    The Lagos State Government has repeatedly appealed to residents to avoid dumping refuse into drainage channels and to stay away from flood-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has previously said the government is carrying out continuous drainage desilting and investing in flood control infrastructure, although many residents insist more needs to be done.

    Despite ongoing interventions, the latest flooding has renewed concerns over the city’s preparedness as more rainfall is expected in the coming weeks.

    Another video showing the flooding can be viewed here:

     

  • DeeOne Emerges BOOT Party House of Assembly Candidate for Lagos Constituency

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Aderombi Adedayo Martins, popularly known as DeeOne, has emerged as the Lagos State House of Assembly candidate for Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I ahead of the 2027 general election.

    He secured the ticket under the BOOT Party after winning the party’s primary election held ahead of the polls.

    Primary election victory

    DeeOne took to Instagram on Wednesday night, June 3, to announce his emergence, expressing appreciation to party members for their support during the primaries.

    “I want to thank my party, BOOT Party, for the confidence in voting for me to emerge winner of the primary election for Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I,” he wrote.

    2027 political ambition

    The comedian-turned-politician now joins the growing list of entertainment personalities seeking elective positions in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

    His emergence comes as political parties continue to conclude primaries across various states ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

  • Iyaloja-General Threatens Protest Over APC Lagos Primaries Dispute

    The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has threatened a protest over the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State, alleging irregularities and factional bias in the process.

    The warning was issued on Wednesday during a meeting with market leaders in Alausa, Ikeja, where she accused party stakeholders of manipulating the process in favour of a particular bloc.

    Iyaloja-General Rejects Lagos APC Primary Results

    Tinubu-Ojo specifically faulted the outcome of the APC primaries in Mushin Federal Constituency 2, Agege Constituency 2 and Ojokoro constituencies, insisting that the results did not reflect the true outcome of the contests.

    She alleged that the exercise was influenced by internal party divisions, particularly between the Justice Forum and Mandate Group within the Lagos APC structure.

    The Lagos State APC had earlier released its list of candidates for the House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly elections, with 24 House of Reps candidates and 40 Assembly candidates emerging from the primaries.

    Calls for Urgent Party Review

    Tinubu-Ojo urged APC leadership at both state and national levels to investigate the disputed primaries before final ratification of the results.

    She warned that failure to address the grievances could worsen internal tensions and deepen divisions within the ruling party in Lagos State.

    According to her, “We are ready to protest because of Seye Oladejo of Mushin Federal Constituency 02, Mutiu Olaide Oladeebo of Agege 2 constituency, Olotu Ojo of Ojokoro constituency, because we know they won this election. Their mandate should not be given to somebody else.”

    She added that rising factional influence within the party was undermining unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Factional Politics in APC Lagos

    Tinubu-Ojo also criticised what she described as increasing alignment of party members with the Justice Forum due to perceived political advantage, warning that such developments could weaken internal democracy.

    She said, “We have to cry out now. Let APC cancel Justice and Mandate Forums. We are one family. We are for APC.”

    She further stressed that leadership must ensure fairness across all factions, noting that political office holders must carry all stakeholders along once elected.

    Market Women Reaffirm Support

    The Iyaloja-General reaffirmed the support of market women across Lagos for APC candidates while insisting that traders deserve greater recognition and inclusion in governance and political appointments.

    The dispute adds to ongoing tensions within the Lagos APC over primaries and factional loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Femi Otedola Cycles Lagos Coast in Defiant Response to Critics

    Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola has taken to the Lagos coastline in a high-profile cycling outing, responding indirectly to critics who previously questioned his preference for cycling in safer international locations.

    The 63-year-old businessman, originally from Ibadan, Oyo State, shared a video of himself riding along the Eko Atlantic corridor, a privately developed waterfront area known for its smooth roads and controlled access.

    Backlash Over Foreign Cycling Clips

    The move comes after Otedola faced criticism online for posting cycling videos from cities such as Singapore and Paris, where infrastructure and safety standards are significantly different from those in Nigeria.

    Critics had argued that his earlier choice of locations highlighted the country’s persistent challenges with road safety, traffic congestion, and insecurity.

    Mixed Reactions On Social Media

    The latest video triggered divided reactions across social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Some users praised him for promoting fitness and embracing cycling in Nigeria, while others said the location still reflects a privileged environment rather than everyday Nigerian realities.

    Commentators also pointed to wider national concerns, including insecurity and uneven infrastructure development, arguing that safe recreational spaces remain inaccessible to many citizens.

    Debate Over Inequality And Access

    The discussion has expanded beyond Otedola himself, touching on broader issues of inequality, lifestyle differences, and urban planning in Lagos.

    While some supporters see his ride as inspirational, others insist it highlights the gap between elite enclaves like Eko Atlantic and densely populated areas where safety and infrastructure remain major concerns.

    Otedola has not issued any further statement beyond sharing the cycling clip, but the conversation continues to trend online, reflecting ongoing debates about privilege, lifestyle, and national development.

  • Desmond Elliot Withdraws From APC Primary After Drama at Lagos Venue

    Lawmaker and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has officially withdrawn from the APC Lagos House of Assembly primary for Surulere 1 following tension and controversy at the polling venue.

    Elliot announced his withdrawal on Wednesday after arriving at the Paddington Mini Stadium alongside his supporters and political associates.

    Supporters allegedly denied entry

    Speaking to journalists at the venue, the lawmaker alleged that several of his supporters were prevented from gaining access to the polling area despite repeated appeals to electoral officials.

    According to him, attempts to resolve the situation peacefully were unsuccessful, leading to growing tension around the exercise.

    The election was eventually disrupted as protests broke out over the alleged exclusion of some party members from the process.

    Desmond speaks on withdrawal

    In a video that later surfaced online, Elliot said he decided to step down from the race to avoid violence and protect lives.

    “I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race, good luck, thank you, and God bless you,” he said.

    His supporters were also seen leaving the venue peacefully alongside him.

    Fresh controversy after apology to Gbajabiamila

    The development comes hours after Elliot publicly apologised to Femi Gbajabiamila during an interview on TVC’s Your View.

    The apology followed recent comments by Gbajabiamila, who revealed that President Bola Tinubu nearly sanctioned him over intelligence reports linking Elliot to the Lagos Assembly speakership crisis involving Mudashiru Obasa.

    Gbajabiamila stated that he denied the allegation at the time.

    Tension rocks APC primary venue

    Wednesday’s primary election was eventually stalled as tensions escalated at the venue over complaints of intimidation and alleged exclusion of party loyalists.

    Elliot maintained that he would not allow any political contest to lead to violence or loss of lives.

  • NDLEA Intercepts ₦10.4bn Canadian Loud Hidden Inside Vehicles At Lagos Port

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 4,173.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, worth over ₦10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

    The agency disclosed that the illicit consignment was uncovered after months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and international collaboration involving multiple security agencies.

    Shipment traced from Canada to Lagos

    According to the NDLEA, the container left Toronto, Canada, on March 28 before being moved by rail to Montreal.

    The shipment was later loaded onto a vessel identified as Jakarta Express Voyage, which arrived at Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15 before being transferred to another vessel, Osaka Voyage, that eventually arrived in Lagos on May 9, 2026.

    The agency said the container had been under close monitoring throughout the journey.

    Drugs hidden inside vehicles

    NDLEA revealed that the Canadian Loud was professionally concealed inside two vehicles packed within the shipping container.

    The illicit substances were reportedly hidden inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 car.

    The seizure was eventually carried out on Tuesday, May 12, during a joint examination involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.

    International agencies assisted operation

    The anti-drug agency said the operation was executed in collaboration with international partners, including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

    Speaking during the handover of the exhibits in Lagos, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, said the success of the operation showed the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking.

    Fresh seizure comes days after Lekki raid

    The latest interception comes barely days after NDLEA operatives uncovered another large stash of Canadian Loud at a mansion in Lekki, Lagos.

    During that operation, the agency recovered 4,000 parcels of the psychoactive substance weighing 2,326 kilograms, valued at over ₦5.8 billion.