The Lagos State Government has explained the circumstances that led to the partial demolition of an occupied building in the Oshodi-Isolo area of the state, saying the action was taken to prevent an imminent disaster.
The affected building, located at No. 1, Oladele Odusanya Street, off Ademulegun Street, Ireakari Estate, Oshodi-Isolo, had been under close surveillance by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) for several months after it was identified as structurally distressed.
According to the agency, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Adu Ademuyiwa, the first evacuation notice was issued to occupants on March 3, 2025, following a comprehensive structural integrity assessment, which revealed that the building posed a serious safety risk to residents and neighbouring properties.
The engineering report reportedly identified a burst water pipe that had been continuously soaking the building’s main support pillars, significantly weakening the structure.
LASBCA said several follow-up evacuation notices were served on the occupants over nine months, but the directives were repeatedly ignored. The agency explained that the notices were issued in line with the state government’s mandate to safeguard lives and property through proactive enforcement of building safety regulations.
With the building’s condition deteriorating further and occupants refusing to vacate, the state government said it was left with no option but to carry out a partial demolition to avert an imminent collapse and possible loss of lives.
The agency added that all evacuation notices, the structural assessment report and photographic evidence documenting the building’s compromised condition were properly appended as proof that due process was followed before the enforcement exercise.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the agency said, “LASBCA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and called on residents across the state to cooperate with safety directives, emphasising that compliance with evacuation notices is essential in preventing tragedies associated with building collapse.”
Leave a Comment