By our Reporter
The Ikeja Local Government has dismissed allegations of an unauthorized installation of an iron gate on the pedestrian bridge across the railway corridor at Ikeja Along, opposite Ajayi Farm Bus Stop, Lagos.
In a statement issued on February 27, 2026, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of the council, Olalekan Oni, described as misleading claims made by Rufai Oseni of Arise TV that the structure was erected without proper authorization.
The council clarified that the infrastructure in question is owned by the Lagos State Government and not the Nigerian Railway Corporation or the Federal Government, as allegedly suggested. It therefore described the assertion that the bridge falls exclusively under federal jurisdiction as factually incorrect.
According to the statement, the installation of the gate followed a stakeholders’ engagement involving the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), representatives of the affected community, and the Local Government Council. The meeting was convened in response to security concerns in the corridor after the railway tracks were cordoned off.
The council noted that the corridor had recorded cases of robbery, pickpocketing, rape, vandalism, and other violent crimes, with residents and commuters frequently targeted.
It further disclosed that within the past year, the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Abiodun Faleke, facilitated the installation of 20 solar-powered streetlights along the corridor to improve security. However, the council said the streetlights were vandalized and removed within three months, including poles and electrical components.
The local government maintained that the gate was erected strictly as a security measure to safeguard lives and property, stressing that the action was taken in good faith and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The statement expressed concern that the allegations were made without prior verification from the Landlords’ Association, the Community Development Association, the Local Government authority, LAMATA, or community youth groups.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the council said it remains open to constructive dialogue but rejected what it described as misrepresentation of facts regarding the installation.
