By Maduka Nweke
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has denied any violation of a court’s restraining order amid ongoing eviction and threats of demolition at 118 Apapa road, Ebute-Metta.
The agency’s response, via the General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, follows concerns raised by residents over potential actions that could destroy their properties and livelihoods.
Oki said: “We operate strictly within the confines of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019. All actions taken, including the issuance of contravention notices, sealing orders and demolition notices, follow rigorous due process, thorough inspections and safety assessments.
“Last year the owners of the building in question were served Distressed Notices where they were instructed to conduct a Non Destructive Test (NDT) to ascertain the structural stability of the building which they failed to conduct citing that the building has been leased to a developer.”
Oki highlighted that LASBCA’s primary mandate is to ensure the safety of lives and properties by identifying and addressing distressed and structurally defective buildings in the state. He stressed, “The notice issued to the property owners was as a result of an inspection carried out by a team of LASBCA’ officials that revealed serious structural deficiencies, posing an imminent danger to occupants and the general public.
“We remain committed to respecting judicial processes and complying with all lawful directives. Any claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and unfounded,” he stated.
Oki also reiterated that LASBCA does not and will not collaborate with landlords, developers, or any private individuals for personal gain. The Agency’s activities are driven solely by the need to ensure building safety, structural integrity, and public welfare across Lagos State. The General Manager reaffirmed to the general public that LASBCA remains transparent and accountable in its operations and urges the public to seek factual information directly from the agency.