A group of traders, developers, and family members have urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the unlawful demolition of a multi-million-naira shopping complex and the destruction of goods in the Central Business District, Lagos Island.
The three-story building, located at 7, 9, and 11 Akinsemoyin Street (formerly Richards Lane) by Breadfruit Street, Balogun, was completed in August 2023. However, on August 20, 2023, at 1:00 AM, state officials, armed policemen, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) demolished the property without prior notice.
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“We are deeply disappointed and distressed by the unlawful demolition of our property,” said Emeka Ojiego, a representative of the aggrieved owners. “We followed all the necessary procedures and obtained the required permits, yet our investment was destroyed without warning.”
Ojiego further stated that the demolition has caused significant losses to the developer and traders who had invested in the project. “We are calling on Governor Sanwo-Olu to investigate this matter and hold those responsible accountable,” he added.
The aggrieved parties have also appealed to the governor to address the ongoing construction on the same land. “We have a court injunction in place, but the new developer is blatantly ignoring it,” Ojiego said. “We urge the governor to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the injunction is respected.”
The unlawful demolition and ongoing construction have caused considerable hardship to the affected parties. They are hopeful that Governor Sanwo-Olu will intervene in the matter and restore their property rights.
Source: Guardian Newspaper