The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the recent demolition of buildings in FESTAC Town, saying the exercise was not carried out under its authority.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the government clarified that it had no involvement in the demolitions.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, also addressed the matter, stressing that “contrary to speculation, the State Government had no role in the demolitions carried out in the area.”
He explained that Lagos State has a clear and transparent process for handling demolitions, which includes serving statutory notices and engaging affected stakeholders. Any demolition done without following these steps, he said, does not represent the position or practice of the current administration.
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“We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government remains committed to fairness, due process, and the protection of property rights,” Olumide said. “Any demolition carried out without proper authorisation does not reflect the position or practice of this administration.”
He further urged all government agencies, including federal bodies operating within Lagos, to seek clearance from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before carrying out any demolition activity.
The clarification comes after a wave of demolitions in FESTAC Town earlier this month. Over the weekend, more than 15 buildings were pulled down along 6th Avenue, leaving traders and shop owners devastated as bulldozers rolled through the area.
