A devastating fire outbreak that began on Christmas Eve has destroyed the historic Animashaun family house and at least five other buildings on Martins Street, Lagos Island, leaving residents displaced and raising serious safety concerns in the area.
The inferno, which reportedly started on December 24, 2025, at Shitta-Bey Court, also known as Great Nigeria House, spread rapidly to adjoining properties, including the Animashaun family compound at No. 45/47 Martins Street. By the following day, the fire had crossed the road and completely razed the Shitta-Bey Mosque.
In a press release issued by the Sunmonu Animashaun family, the scale of destruction was described as extensive, with five buildings belonging to different branches of the family torched in the blaze.
According to the statement, efforts by firefighters to contain the fire led to the partial demolition of the Animashaun family house to create ventilation points, a move that has severely weakened the structure.
The statement reads partly: “The ferocious fire which started on the 24th day of December 2025 spread to our family house and other adjoining buildings within the vicinity. In its ferociousness, it crossed over the road and completely razed down the Shitta-Bey Mosque.
“In order to curb the spread of the fire, officers and men of the fire service had to demolish a part of the Animashaun Family House so as to provide more ventilation.
“This demolition has substantially compromised the integrity of our family house in such a way that the safety of persons using the building could not be guaranteed.
“Subsequently, the family is calling on the management of the Lagos State Building Control Agency to carry out an assessment of the building.”
The family disclosed that the structural integrity of the property has been badly affected, making continued occupation unsafe, and has therefore formally requested an integrity assessment by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.
The fire also partially affected the historic Animashaun Mosque, reputed to be the first mosque in Lagos where Juma’ah prayers were held. The family noted that the mosque, already weakened by years of neglect, could no longer safely accommodate worshippers.
As a result, the mosque management committee has suspended all religious and commercial activities within and around the mosque pending the outcome of a structural integrity test.
The Sunmonu Animashaun family expressed sympathy with residents, traders and business operators affected by the fire, describing the incident as a collective loss to the community.
While mourning those reportedly killed in the incident, the family offered prayers for divine comfort and restoration for all victims.
