By Ojo Jeremiah Oladipupo (Siwes student, Efon Poly)
Commissioner Oluyinka Olumide of Lagos State’s Physical Planning and Urban Development department clarified that the ongoing demolition is not targeting specific groups, including South-Easterners.
He explained that the demolished buildings lacked approval and were hastily erected during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Claims circulating on social media about targeting individuals from the South-East are unverified.
Olumide asserted that anyone can own a building in Lagos if they adhere to the rules, acknowledging recent demolitions involving certain structures rushed during the pandemic.
He urged owners to present their building approvals, assuring that approved buildings won’t face demolition.
Emphasizing the removal of illegal structures on drainage systems, Olumide mentioned the removal of perimeter fences near drainage channels in Ikoyi and potential plans for demolishing illegal structures in other parts of the state, as reported by The PUNCH.
