Sanwo-Olu orders LAWMA MD to resign

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to resign over the heaps of refuse littering major roads, residential areas and drainage channels across the state.

An insider within the agency, who spoke to PUNCH Online on condition of anonymity on Monday, said Sanwo-Olu had become increasingly dissatisfied with Gbadegesin’s handling of the waste management crisis and had advised him to resign.

According to the source, the governor’s displeasure followed concerns over the slow pace of waste evacuation and the agency chief’s alleged failure to act promptly on directives aimed at addressing the situation.

“The governor was at the Olusosun Dumpsite in Ojota a month ago and was dissatisfied with the state of things. He gave instructions that immediate action be taken on the matter, as he has declared a state of emergency on waste management.

“The governor was upset when he observed that the situation had not improved despite his clear directive. So, over the weekend, he asked him to resign, although he is begging and has reached out to some prominent Lagosians to beg on his behalf,” the source said.

For about six months, from August 2025 into early 2026, residents across Lagos have repeatedly complained about worsening waste collection, with refuse accumulating along road medians, streets and major highways.

The waste management challenge has been reported in several parts of the state, including Mushin, Egbeda, Surulere, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Ojo, Obalende, Apapa and Mile 2, where residents have had to contend with decomposing refuse along streets and drainage channels.

The situation has raised concerns over environmental sanitation, public health and the impact of the waste crisis on businesses and the state’s image.