Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, who oversaw the demolition operation on Saturday, stated that although notices were given to the residents of the affected buildings, they refused to leave.
He claimed that because the majority of the buildings failed the structural integrity test, the government was forced to destroy the buildings in order to save lives.
The speaker stated, “We cannot wait and allow the buildings to collapse and kill people. The primary responsibility of government is to protect lives.”
He emphasised that the state’s citizens, regardless of their tribe or religion, would continue to be valued by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government.
He said that life was more important than buildings and bemoaned the scenario where residents of the impacted buildings refused to leave even when given adequate notice.
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For this reason, the commissioner ordered building owners in financial difficulties to initiate the process of demolishing their buildings. He advised them not to wait for the government to take action since it would seize any property if it demolished dilapidated buildings.
The demolition of troubled buildings in the region has become essential, according to Arc. Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), given the threat that the buildings posed to nearby structures and the lives of the local populace.
“We cannot remain silent and permit irregularities to persist in this region, endangering the lives of innocent people due to the careless actions of a small number of people who have disregarded their moral obligations,” he declared.
Additionally, Oki urged Lagosians to never hesitate to report to the government any problematic buildings or other physical planning violations they come across in their areas.
