Lagos Gov’t enforces Oworonshoki demolitions after landlords ignore amnesty notices

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed that the demolition of shanties and unapproved buildings in Oworonshoki followed due process, stressing that property owners ignored repeated warnings and several amnesty opportunities to regularise their structures.

Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban and Regional Planning, Gbolahan Oki, told journalists on Wednesday that the government had issued multiple notices and held extensive community meetings before enforcement began.

“The Lagos State government is committed to orderly urban planning. We cannot allow residents to occupy buildings that are unsafe and unapproved. Most property owners were given ample time to obtain planning permits during the state’s amnesty programme,” Oki said.

He explained that the amnesty scheme, launched in May 2024 with an initial 90-day window, was extended twice, first to October and later to December 2024, giving property owners further opportunities to regularise their documentation.

“Despite these efforts, only two or three landlords complied. The rest ignored all warnings,” he added.

According to him, officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), alongside community and traditional leaders, engaged residents through sensitisation campaigns and meetings prior to the demolitions.

Outlining the risks posed by the affected structures, Oki noted that many were distressed, obstructed drainage channels, and posed security concerns. “Some tilted backwards, had visible cracks, or were superficially patched with paint. We are now insisting that every property in Lagos must have a certificate of fitness for habitation,” he said.

The permanent secretary assured that the exercise was conducted transparently, noting that processing a planning permit now takes between 10 and 15 days once the required documents are submitted. He added that the permitting system has been decentralised across all local government areas.

A video shown during the briefing captured marked buildings and earlier community meetings, which the government said demonstrated its commitment to protecting lives, improving drainage, and strengthening security in Oworonshoki.

It will be recalled that Lagos State introduced a three-phase amnesty between May and December 2024, designed to allow owners of unapproved buildings to regularise their papers.