Adegboruwa slams Lagos for restricting movement during sanitation exercise

Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, has criticised the Lagos State Government over the restriction of movement during its monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing the measure as unlawful and a breach of citizens’ rights.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Adegboruwa faulted the directive requiring residents to remain indoors between 6:30 am and 8:30 am on the last Saturday of every month, arguing that it lacks any legal backing.

“For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, there is currently no law in force in Lagos State which permits the government to restrict the movement of persons for the purpose of enforcing monthly environmental sanitation,” he said.

“The directive violates constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. The government cannot lawfully confine citizens to their homes under the guise of sanitation enforcement,” he added.

Adegboruwa also dismissed the state government’s claim that the restriction is backed by a 2017 health law, arguing that the legislation has neither been made public nor subjected to scrutiny.

“The government claims to rely on a particular health law of 2017, which it has refused to publish or make available to the public. Let them produce the law if it truly exists,” he said.

Describing the approach as outdated, the lawyer said Lagos should not depend on what he termed archaic enforcement methods reminiscent of military rule.

“It is contradictory for a government seeking global relevance to rely on policies that mirror dictatorial practices and fall short of international standards,” he stated.

He warned that any democratically elected government must not suppress citizens through coercive measures.

“Such actions amount to an abuse of power and an infringement on freedom of movement,” Adegboruwa said.

However, the Lagos State Government has defended the sanitation exercise.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said that the restriction was not intended to punish residents.