Rapid urbanization of Ikorodu town and the implications on the metropolitan form and space

Abstract

The urban form of Ikorodu Town has been changing rapidly since the 1990s. This may be due to the evolving socio-economic configurations of the contiguous Lagos metropolis, which is rapidly integrating the Ikorodu town into its domain. This study was carried out to determine the effects of the rapid urbanization of the town on the landscape, the open spaces, the building clusters and the public spaces. The research was carried out by collecting primary and secondary data directly from the field and previous publications on Lagos state urban structure and projections. Four hundred questionnaires were also administered to determine the socio-environmental acceptability of the evolving form in comparison with the indigenous morphology of the town. Current cityscapes are depicted in photographs obtained from location by the authors. There is enough evidence to conclude that the core of the town is now congested. Apart from the major road network, there were no development plans to accommodate the rapid urbanization. The new layouts being developed by the state authorities are on the fringes of the town and have failed to address the undesirable metropolitan form and space. Development Control may be very challenging to enforce due to the customary holds on property unless there is an execution of eminent domain or state assisted gentrification on the heavily congested areas. Only then, can the urban systems become sustainable. The spatial dysfunctionalism can then be gradually addressed. The paper suggests the assessment and documentation of the city layout and land use with a view to developing a sustainable master plan that can be implemented. The organic urban form needs to be corrected and modernized. If there is need to adjust the existing land use pattern. It should be carried out to save the town and make it a sustainable city. All state efforts to improve the urban form must be inclusive.