Falana, others demand demolition of alleged illegal construction next to Fawehinmi’s residence

By Lukman Olabiyi

Associates and colleagues of the late legal icon and human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, are calling for the demolition of a multi-storey building allegedly constructed in violation of planning regulations beside his family home in Ikeja GRA, Lagos State.

The building, known as APARTMENT, is said to have been erected without the necessary legal approvals and does not meet required setback standards.

The structure is built directly adjacent to the Fawehinmi family’s fence at No. 9 Ademola Close, off Fani Kayode Street, raising concerns over privacy and security.

Prominent figures in the human rights community, including Femi Falana, Adeyinka Olumode-Fusika, Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Femi Aborisade, Lanre Arogundade led a protest on Friday demanding that the building be demolished.

The protesters expressed alarm over the construction’s proximity to the Fawehinmi residence, emphasizing that it could compromise both privacy and security for the family.

The protesters highlighted several key issues with the building, including its failure to comply with town planning regulations, particularly the minimum setback requirement.

They argued that the building is dangerously close to the Fawehinmi home and violates Lagos State’s urban development and building regulations, which mandate at least a three-meter space between buildings.

“The so-called apartment building should be pulled down as it obviously violates Lagos State urban development and building regulations, particularly with regard to the mandatory setback requirement,” the protesters stated.

They also raised concerns about the potential security risks posed by the construction, arguing that its height and commercial nature could provide a cover for criminal activity. “The building towers menacingly over Chief Gani’s compound and could serve as a safe haven for anyone with malicious intent against the family,” they warned.

In conclusion, the protesters called for immediate action, asserting that the structure poses a permanent threat to the safety and security of the Fawehinmi family and their property.