Forceful eviction and non-inclusive gentrification: The post-occupational assessment of Maroko Area, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The option of induced eviction, dislocation or displacement of lower-income residents of decrepit inner-city neighbourhoods in order to achieve physical and socio-economic transformation oftentimes yields varied implications for the stakeholders. This study is about Maroko, a sprawling working-class settlement in highbrow area of Lagos where gentrification tactics of total eviction was deployed to exclude long-term residents from benefiting from the redevelopment initiatives. The aim was to evaluate the magnitude and impact of Maroko’s forced eviction and associated gentrification on the near-environment and community demographics. Specifically, the research focuses on a sequential evaluation of the magnitude of specific existential situations before and after the eviction. A case study of Maroko that relied on retrospective and succession principles was used to collect data from observation, interviews, archival and historical secondary sources. The analysis was mainly through comparisons of past trends before eviction and current conditions after the eviction. Data were distilled and analysed based on three thematic areas of buildings, demographics, and social-mix. A major finding indicates that though the objective of physical upgrading was achieved, the total obliteration of erstwhile residents created a non-inclusive demographic stratum that did not encourage social mixing and relationship building in the day-to-day activities.