lagos state demolition - Housing TV Africa

Residents Protest Alleged Unannounced Demolition in Lagos Community

housingtv — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:35:05 +0000

Fear, anger, and desperation filled the premises of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday as residents of Mile 12 Central Community in Kosofe Local Government Area protested the demolition of more than 200 houses, which they said was carried out without notice.

The residents accused officials of the Lagos State task force and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) of storming their community on Monday with heavy-duty equipment and pulling down homes without prior warning or engagement.

Led by community leaders and elderly residents, the protesters appealed to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to intervene and stop what they described as an ongoing exercise that has rendered several families homeless.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairman of the Council Development Area, Tunde Ogundele, said residents were shocked when government officials arrived unannounced and began demolishing buildings.

“They invaded our community without any notice,” Ogundele said. “More than 200 houses have already been demolished, and the exercise is still ongoing. We are law-abiding citizens, and all we are asking for is dialogue.”

Ogundele added that many of the affected homeowners acquired their lands 50 to 60 years ago, insisting that no document or explanation was presented before the demolition began.

A 72-year-old resident, Ganiyu Abdul, struggled to hold back tears as he narrated how his family was affected.

“I have lived here for over 40 years,” Abdul said. “They have already destroyed my sister’s house, and they are coming for mine next. Nobody told us why this is happening.”

Women, youths, and elderly residents carried placards with inscriptions such as “Say no to illegal demolition”, “Sanwo-Olu, save our community”, and “We are homeless”, as they chanted slogans demanding government intervention.

Some residents said the demolition had triggered medical emergencies in the community.

A resident, Sharon Fagbemi, told journalists that several people had been hospitalised since the exercise began.

“A woman over 90 years old went into a coma yesterday,” she said. “Some residents are paralysed, others have collapsed from shock. Up till now, no agency has officially taken responsibility.”

Fagbemi added that officials at the Ministry of Physical Planning allegedly denied knowledge of the demolition when residents visited the ministry to seek clarification.

“When we asked the officer leading the demolition, he said they were acting on directives and would not stop, even if the governor intervened,” she said.

Addressing the protesters, Steven Ogundipe, the lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency, said he was speaking on behalf of the Speaker and assured residents that the House would investigate the matter.

“We insist on due process,” Ogundipe said. “From what we have heard today, there was no notice, and that is unacceptable. We will invite the agencies involved to present the documents that justified this action.”

He added that even where demolition is required, engagement with affected communities must come first.

“Dialogue is key. That is what this government stands for,” he said.

Forced demolitions have remained a recurring source of tension in Lagos, particularly in densely populated communities with long-established settlements. Similar protests were recorded in Oworonshoki earlier this year following demolition exercises in the area.

As the Mile 12 residents await government action, many say their immediate concern is survival.

“We don’t know where to sleep tonight,” an elderly protester said quietly. “We just want the government to hear us.”

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Lagos Begins Demolition of Illegal Buildings in Ikate Elegushi and Lekki–Ikoyi Corridors

housingtv — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:34:06 +0000

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has commenced a fresh round of demolitions in the Ikate Elegushi area as part of its statewide effort to eliminate buildings erected without proper approval or authorization.

The enforcement operation, carried out jointly by the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Office of Urban Development, and LASBCA, targeted structures that reportedly violated building regulations, encroached on drainage setbacks, exceeded approved construction limits, and posed dangers to public safety.

Assembly Backs Intensified Enforcement

Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, said the Assembly fully supports ongoing measures to sanitise the built environment.

He noted that enforcing compliance is essential in a densely populated state like Lagos, where unregulated developments threaten lives and strain infrastructure.

Urban Development Office Raises Alarm on Environmental Risks

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, warned that illegal construction continues to undermine environmental sustainability and effective urban planning.

He added that the Ministry remains committed to supporting LASBCA in ensuring building standards are strictly enforced across the state.

LASBCA: Owners Ignored Multiple Notices

Acting General Manager of LASBCA, Bldr. Gbaye Florence, said the agency had issued stop-work orders and demolition notices to affected property owners before action was taken.

She emphasized that unapproved structures often lack structural integrity and pose severe safety threats.

Demolition Extends to Lekki–Ikoyi Axis

In continuation of the enforcement exercise, officials moved to the Lekki–Ikoyi corridor, where more illegal properties were identified. Some had been erected directly under high-tension power lines and were immediately marked for removal due to the extreme risk posed to residents and the public.

Officials also issued new warnings to developers and residents, stressing that the state government will no longer tolerate hazardous buildings.

No Area Will Be Exempt, Government Warns

During the exercise, officials addressed residents and builders, highlighting the consequences of ignoring statutory building procedures.
Hon. Ogunkelu reaffirmed that the House of Assembly will continue supporting enforcement agencies to ensure compliance, adding that the government will do all it can to reclaim land taken over by land grabbers.

Government Urges Compliance

The Lagos State Government appealed to developers and property owners to obtain proper approvals before commencing construction, warning that ignorance of the law will not be accepted as an excuse.

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Lagos Government Clears Ikeja GRA Shanties Over Security Concerns

housingtv — Mon, 12 May 2025 17:08:35 +0000

The Lagos State Government has dismantled several shanties in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA), citing rising security concerns and complaints from residents.

The enforcement operation, spearheaded by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Ikeja GRA Residents Association.

Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of LASBCA, who led the exercise, explained that the removal of the makeshift structures was necessary due to their use as hideouts by criminal elements. He said residents had raised alarms over suspicious activities in the area, including the concealment of suspected stolen goods within the shanties.

“In response to complaints from the Ikeja GRA community about ongoing security threats and criminal activity associated with the shanties, we had to take decisive action,” Oki said.

He added that the government had engaged with residents and stakeholders through meetings and official notifications before the clearance operation. Property owners and developers were also requested to submit documentation to verify compliance with approved building regulations.

Oki urged developers and landlords to respect planning laws and prioritize the safety and well-being of residents by adhering strictly to construction guidelines.

“Compliance with approved building plans is not optional. It’s essential for maintaining a safe and orderly environment,” he emphasized.

Tunde Disu, a resident of the area, commended the government’s swift intervention, describing the cleared structures as a persistent security nuisance. He assured authorities of the community’s continued support in efforts to restore order in Ikeja GRA.

Areas covered during the enforcement exercise included Isaac John Street, Michael Otedola Crescent, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Showemimo Street, and Ajisafe Street, among others.

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Lagos State Demolishes 138 Shanties, Dislodges 169 Illegal Residents at Ajao Estate

housingtv — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:54:28 +0000

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, has demolished 138 shanties along the canal bank in Ajao Estate.

These makeshift structures were reportedly rented out for amounts ranging from N60,000 to N100,000 per year by an organized syndicate.

In a statement on Thursday, LAGESC’s Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (Retd), confirmed the demolition, which led to the eviction of 169 residents who had been living illegally along the canal.

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“Our intelligence identified severe infractions along the Ajao Estate Canal banks, where people were illegally renting shanties. This necessitated our enforcement action for a complete dislodgement,” Cole stated.

He expressed concerns over the public health risks posed by the densely populated, unauthorized encampment, which, he said, encouraged the spread of communicable diseases and social issues.

Cole reaffirmed LAGESC’s commitment to supporting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, which aims to make Lagos a cleaner, safer, and more livable environment.

He further urged Lagos residents to avoid renting in unauthorized settlements, warning that similar demolitions would follow across the state to curb illegal occupancy.

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Lagos Govt Demolishes Three-story Building, Asks Market Occupants to Vacate Premises

housingtv — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 19:03:53 +0000

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), demolished a three-floor structure on Adeniji Adele Road in the Lagos Island area on Thursday. LASBCA also issued a one-month ultimatum to occupants of Bombata Market to vacate the premises.

Speaking at the demolition site, LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, explained that the building was in a distressed condition. Its removal, he noted, was necessary to prevent a collapse and avoid the loss of lives and property.

BUY HOUSE NAIJA

Oki emphasized that the agency followed due process before demolishing the structure, serving the occupants with several statutory notices, including quit and demolition orders.

Reiterating the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Oki highlighted that LASBCA will continue thorough inspections of ongoing building projects in Lagos. The goal is early detection of distressed, illegal, and non-compliant structures to help maintain a safe built environment.

Additionally, LASBCA issued a one-month ultimatum to the occupants of Bombata Market after previously serving multiple notices. The agency warned that the market, located adjacent to Pelewura in Lagos Island, poses environmental hazards due to its dilapidated state.

“This exercise is in continuation of the Lagos State Government’s quest towards Urban Regeneration, Development and Abating Environmental and Security nuisance in the State,” LASBCA stated.

It is would be recalled that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the demolition of Bombata and Jankara Markets last October as part of the government’s urban renewal and flood-control projects for the area.

“There will be zero-tolerance and from Monday, the Ministry of Environment will start giving demolition notices to all the stores that have been built on the drains and all existing drains.

“They have built shops on all the drains and that is why we are having these problems of flooding and environmental pollution.

“We cannot let a few people risk the lives of the larger number of us,’’ Sanwo-Olu had said.

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