Sanwo-Olu gives nod for demolition of more buildings over fire incident in Dosumu market

• Reads riot act to officials

By Lukman Olabiyi, Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given order to government agencies to clamp down on any structure built without compliance with the law of the state.

The governor gave the marching order yesterday, during his on-the-spot assessment of Dosumu Market which was recently consumed by fire.

The fire outbreak destroyed no fewer than 14 buildings, with four buildings collapsing.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said his visit to the scene of the incident was to ascertain the level of damage done by the fire.

Addressing the press, Sanwo-Olu said the government would wield the big stick by demolishing houses that do not have the government’s building approval, adding that his administration would not fold its hands and allow careless destruction of properties.

He said the Dosunmu Market and other nearby markets would remain closed until the fire is totally put out and the complete clean-up of the market is done.

“I want to say without any iota of doubt that some other buildings are still going to go down, this is totally unacceptable, we will not allow a few people who will not comply with our laws, to put the lives of others in danger

“Physical planning authority, LASBCA are going to be having a difficult time with me, and when they have a difficult time with me, you will know they will come on the street.

“This fire incident is happening too often, too many and it is totally unacceptable.

“People put generators on top of roofs, on the third and fourth floors of the building and we have said that this is unacceptable

“In residential houses, we have seen the consequences of inaction, we have seen the consequences of us not being responsive and responsible.

“Thankfully no life has been lost, but you can see the amount of property that has been wasted, you can see the amount of asset and collateral damages that have been wasted.

“So, this is a call to others outside here, that government will not shy away from its responsibility, we will come really hard on structures, property that will not comply with our rules, we will bring them down. Anybody, because it is too much.

“And I am going to shut down this place as long as it takes, there will be zero tolerance all around here,” he said.