Lagos, Nigeria: Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, addressed concerns surrounding the ongoing demolition activities in the state.
Contrary to circulating claims on social media, Olumide insisted that the demolitions spearheaded by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration are not targeted at any specific group, particularly south-easterners.
The commissioner asserted that the demolished structures had been constructed without approval from the state’s regulatory agencies.
He revealed that these buildings had been hastily erected during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 when enforcement activities were significantly subdued due to restrictions on movement.
“Anybody can own a building in Lagos so long as you go along with the laid-down rules,” Olumide stated, emphasizing that the recent uproar seems to involve structures primarily from some areas of the country.
He pointed out that these contentious buildings were erected without proper approvals, and when they were demolished, no owner came forward with evidence of authorization.
Olumide challenged owners of the demolished structures to step forward with their building approvals, assuring that the state government would not waste any approved building.
He stated, “We will not demolish any approved building, that’s for sure. So, if there is anybody who claims that their buildings were approved and demolished, let them come forward.”
The commissioner underscored that the focus of the demolition activities is on illegal structures, particularly those encroaching upon drainage systems. He clarified, “Buildings not done within the confines of the law are subject to demolition.”
The clarification comes in response to unverified claims on social media suggesting that the demolition campaign is discriminatory, explicitly targeting individuals from the south-eastern part of Nigeria.
Olumide’s statements aim to dispel these rumours and provide insight into the motivations behind the ongoing demolition efforts.
As the controversy surrounding the demolitions unfolds, the commissioner’s call for owners to produce valid approvals serves as a challenge to those contesting the government’s actions.
The state government appears resolute in its commitment to urban development within the framework of established regulations, with a particular emphasis on dismantling structures that pose risks to public safety, especially in drainage areas.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
