In light of the recent demolition of the property of the younger brother of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), without the permission of the Lagos State Government, residents are concerned about the implications for other property owners in the state.
After Obi raised the alarm on the ‘lawless’ demolition on Wednesday, the state government distanced itself from the act.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information and strategy, said, “The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition.”
Omotoso also said a full investigation had been ordered to clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that necessary actions are taken.
Full statement:
CLARIFICATION ON DEMOLITION OF PROPERTY
The Lagos State Government is compelled to address the recent allegations made by Mr. Peter Obi regarding the demolition of a property belonging to his brother. We wish to categorically state that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition.
Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser, eGIS & Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, has confirmed that the agency was not involved in the demolition. We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts.
The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws. Any individual or group found involved in such acts will be brought to justice.
We urge the public to disregard Mr. Peter Obi’s claims and rest assured that the Lagos State Government will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in our great state. We will not be swayed by baseless allegations or attempts to discredit our efforts.
Furthermore, we have directed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, FNIA, to request a full investigation by the Lagos State Building Control Agency into this matter. This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken.
The Lagos State Government welcomes everyone to live and work in the state, and we assure all residents of our continued commitment to their safety and well-being.
Signed
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso
Honourable Commissioner, Information & Strategy
Lagos State Government
When Obi shared details of the incident on Wednesday, he said those at the demolition site claimed to have a court judgment authorising the action. And when he asked to see it, he found that the court judgment they referred to was issued against an unknown person and squatters.
The purported court document circulating online is dated May 20, 2024. The ruling, delivered by a Lagos High Court, reads in part: “The claimant filed this suit on 6 June, 2023, to claim possession of 57, Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja, on the ground that those in possession are squatting and are in possession without the consent or the contract of the Claimant.”
FIJ found that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) Regulations of 2019 made provisions for the processes that must be followed before a property can be demolished.
Section 5, sub-section D, of the regulations reads, “Any developer who intends to demolish any existing structure shall apply in writing to the Authority for the issuance of a Demolition Permit as provided in Schedule 12 to this Regulation.”
It defines a developer as a builder, contractor, creator, pioneer and owner, and clearly states that no site with an existing structure shall be demolished in the State without a Demolition Permit granted by LASPPPA to remove the structure.
About the Author
