The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has strongly refuted claims of illegal eviction of tenants in buildings found to be in violation of the state’s planning laws. The agency made this clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday, following accusations from tenants at 118, Apapa Road, Ebute-Metta (West), who have taken legal action against LASBCA.
In the statement, LASBCA’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, emphasised that the agency operates strictly within the legal framework outlined by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019.
He responded to the tenants’ allegations, which included accusations that LASBCA had sent police officers to forcibly evict them without following due process.
The tenants had claimed that LASBCA served a contravention notice and a sealing order for the distressed building on December 3, 2024, without conducting a prior inspection of the property. They argued that LASBCA’s actions had been unjust, as the eviction and demolition threats were allegedly made without proper procedure.
In response, Oki explained that the property owners had been served a distressed notice the previous year, instructing them to carry out a Non-Destructive Test to assess the structural stability of the building. The owners failed to conduct the test, stating that the building had been leased to a developer.
The general manager clarified that the decision to issue a contravention notice, sealing order, and demolition notice followed a thorough inspection by LASBCA officials, which revealed significant structural deficiencies posing a serious risk to both the occupants and the public.
“Last year, the owners of the building were instructed to conduct a structural test, which they failed to do. The decision to act was based on a comprehensive safety assessment,” Oki stated.
LASBCA reiterated its commitment to respecting judicial processes and adhering to all lawful directives. The agency further denounced the allegations as misleading and unfounded, assuring the public that all actions taken were in line with due process, inspections, and safety regulations.
