By Ismaeel Aleem
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the ongoing demolition of illegal buildings.
The party stated that no responsible government can overlook structures that imperil lives, hinder development, and undermine public safety.
In a statement released on Tuesday, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo underscored the necessity of enforcing urban planning laws to maintain order and safeguard residents in Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub.
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Oladejo clarified that the demolitions, which have sparked debate across Lagos, adhered to a transparent, law-driven process.
“Multiple warnings and engagement sessions preceded enforcement,” he said, framing the exercise as a proactive effort to avert disasters rather than an act of malice.
The demolitions, he argued, aim to restore sanity to areas plagued by unauthorised constructions that threaten infrastructure, waterways, and environmental stability.
Highlighting the approach of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Oladejo praised its “restraint and compassion,” noting that stakeholders were engaged and compliance deadlines extended before action was taken.
“Every measure has been guided by due process and the public interest,” he stated.
“Lagos cannot permit illegal developments to flourish when they endanger the environment and the city’s future.”
The APC spokesperson aligned the campaign with Lagos’s broader vision of urban renewal, environmental sustainability, and the creation of safer, well-planned communities.
He rejected claims of political motives behind the demolitions, insisting that the state’s priority is protecting lives and property.
“Lagos will not be lectured on governance by those who fail to grasp that development demands discipline, consistency, and respect for the rule of law,” Oladejo declared.
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Reaffirming the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal and stringent planning regulations, Oladejo described the operations as non-punitive, designed to ensure Lagos evolves in line with approved urban layouts and environmental standards.
“The focus is on safety, dignity, and prosperity for all residents,” he added, emphasising the state’s pursuit of a liveable, resilient megacity.
