HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement yesterday, considered the revelation by Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, alarming.
According to him, it has sparked fear and anxiety among homeowners, who now face the devastating prospect of losing their property and being forced back into the rental market.
“The ongoing demolition spree, ostensibly due to a lack of building approvals, or constructions on government-acquired land, has been described by many as both tragic and unnecessary.
“According to the commissioner, a significant number of these unapproved structures are situated on agricultural land sold by families, unaware of the land’s zoning restrictions.
“This highlights a profound failure in the planning and regulatory framework that should prevent such situations from arising,” he lamented.
HURIWA contended that the demolition represent a gross miscarriage of justice and a blatant disregard for the rights and livelihoods of affected individuals.
The association argued that the Lagos State government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, should have taken proactive measures to prevent the construction of these unapproved buildings rather than resort to demolition, emphasising that such drastic actions not only destroy homes but also disrupt lives, livelihoods, and the broader economy.
“The situation in Lagos has reached a critical point, where landlords have become an endangered species, falling victim to systemic corruption within the land registry and the inefficiencies of the state’s planning authorities.
“The recent statements by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) officials further underscore this issue, as they admit to being compromised by property developers.”
“This corruption at the infancy level of development raises serious questions about the integrity of the regulatory process and the accountability of those in charge.
“The state’s approach to resolving these issues has been marked by inconsistency and a lack of compassion. While the government has initiated a 90-day amnesty period for property owners to obtain planning permits without penalty fees, this measure appears to be too little, too late.
“The damage caused by the demolition is already profound, affecting thousands of residents and leaving many homeless. The government’s failure to enforce regulations from the onset has led to a scenario where reactive measures are causing more harm than good,” Onwubiko said.
HURIWA, therefore, called on the Lagos State government to halt the demolition immediately and engage in meaningful dialogue with affected homeowners.
The group also called for transparent investigation into the role of compromised officials in the approval process and stringent measures put in place to prevent such corruption in the future.
