Palpable fears exist that the Ikeja Saddle Club, Lagos which arguably is the only remaining and existing green space in Lagos, is about being illegally and forcibly acquired by speculated land grabbers.
A call for support by all and sundry towards ensuring that the ‘illegal land grabbers’ threatening the survival and continuity of the Club were waded off the space, has been awash on social media.
The Note of Solicitation for public support and government action here follows:
The Ikeja Saddle Club, with a 50 year plus history, has been INVADED by the infamous land grabbers of Lagos. On Thursday, September 23rd, a police force, under a supposed petition, forcefully entered the ISC and sealed off the premises to the staff and members. This was followed by the total destruction of the club property – buildings, riding areas, staff quarters, and most heinously, the decades old trees on the property.
As of today, September 24th, the encroaches, under the protection of the police, have cut down over 300 old growth trees that are some of the many old trees in the property. These trees form a vital habitat to many species of animals and are a green lung for the whole area. The illegal cutting down of trees and destruction of this habitat is totally against all Lagos State laws, and there was a brief attempt by Lagos State government to halt the proceedings.
This lasted only while the Lagos State staff was present, immediately after which the wanton destruction continued.
As of this writing, the bulldozers are still busy wreaking havoc on this green oasis.
PLEASE HELP US SAVE IKEJA SADDLE CLUB. THE LAST OF OUR GREEN SPACES IN LAGOS. SAVE !!!! SAVE!! SAVE!!
