The Lagos State Government has provided explanations for the demolition of certain structures in various parts of the state.
In an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development of Lagos state, Oluyinka Olumide, clarified that the government took this action because the owners failed to obtain approval from state agencies before constructing these buildings.
Olumide emphasized that the demolished structures had not received approval from any government agency, pointing out that they were hastily erected during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
“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.
“Buildings not done within the confines of the law are subject to demolition.” He said.
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The commissioner underscored that illegal structures obstructing drainage systems would be removed.
He challenged the owners of the demolished structures in areas such as Ikota, Lekki, Alaba, Ajao Estate, Abule Ado, Ladipo Market, and other parts of the state to present their building approvals.
Addressing claims that the state government targeted homeowners from the South-East geopolitical zone, Olumide refuted such allegations, asserting that they are untrue.
“Anybody can own a building in Lagos so long as you follow the laid-down rules. It’s unfortunate that maybe what we have done in recent times will concern those from certain parts of the country.
“Those buildings causing this uproar are buildings rushed during the COVID period when activities of enforcement officers were at a low ebb because of restrictions on movement, and you could see that when those buildings were demolished, nobody has come forward to say they were demolished under approval.”
The commissioner assured residents that the government would not demolish any approved structures. #Lagos state