By Femi Akinola
In a recent interview with Punch newspapers, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), the former Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and current Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union (IDU), expressed deep concern over the severe environmental degradation witnessed in Isale Eko.
As a prominent figure both in the legal realm and as a native of the community, Kazeem emphasized the urgent need for intervention in addressing the deplorable state of roads, drainage systems, and overall cleanliness.
Kazeem, who conducted a discreet inspection of Isale Eko, described the situation as one of the worst cases of urban decay he has witnessed in a long time.
He underscored the necessity for immediate attention to rectify the alarming conditions that threaten the livability of the area.
Commenting on the State Government’s Urban Regeneration project slated for Isale Eko, Kazeem acknowledged the initiative but emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the Lagos Island regeneration plan.
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He asserted that the IDU would actively participate in the proposed public hearing, ensuring that the plan adequately addresses the community’s specific concerns regarding environmental degradation.
“We have seen the plan, and while we welcome the development, the Isale Eko Descendants Union will voice its observations and reservations. It must effectively tackle the environmental degradation affecting our community and follow the proper procedures to restore its livability,” Kazeem declared.
When asked about the IDU’s role in rejuvenating Isale-Eko’s environment and transforming it into a tourist attraction, Kazeem clarified that the union, while committed to fostering development, cannot replace the local government authority’s responsibility.
He highlighted the IDU’s efforts in promoting community development through events like Isale-Eko Day, which has garnered significant participation from both indigenes and non-indigenes.
Kazeem emphasized the importance of tourism in Isale Eko, citing numerous historical sites such as palaces, shrines, and the revered Iga-Idunganran, the palace of Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.
However, he stressed that realizing the full potential of tourism is hindered by the area’s decay, making urgent intervention imperative for the success of such initiatives.
