In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, Chioma Ikokwu, the CEO of Goodhair, took to Instagram to accuse the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) of attempting to steal materials from her business during a demolition exercise in Lekki Phase 1. The incident, which has since gone viral, has sparked widespread debate over building regulations and the handling of demolition procedures in the state.
The confrontation took place at a property located on Olubunmi Owa Street, a site that houses Ikokwu’s hair business and a restaurant. According to Ikokwu, while she and her staff were in the process of evacuating their belongings from the premises, LASBCA officials arrived with bulldozers and security personnel to carry out the demolition. She alleged that the officials instructed her team to vacate the premises immediately, even though they were still in the process of clearing out.
In her Instagram post, Ikokwu claimed that the officials’ intention was not only to demolish the property but also to steal building materials. The CEO, visibly upset, posted videos of the incident showing her staff allegedly being assaulted by security personnel as they tried to prevent the demolition. She also accused the LASBCA officers of attempting to seize her phone as she recorded the encounter, which only added fuel to the controversy.
“Them trying to steal my property while we were still packing up…and assaulting my staff,” Ikokwu said in her social media post. “We were doing everything by the book. This is a clear case of corruption.”
However, the LASBCA swiftly dismissed these claims in an official statement issued later that day. Adu Ademuyiwa Adegoke, the agency’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, clarified that the demolition was conducted in line with Lagos State Building Codes and Regulations. According to Adegoke, the property owner had failed to comply with the necessary procedures, including obtaining a demolition permit for the structure, which had been built illegally.
“LASBCA is committed to urban regeneration, sustainable development, and ensuring the safety of Lagosians,” Adegoke stated. “This property had been issued multiple notices, including Convention, Seal-off, and Quit Notices, which the owner ignored. The attachment in question was removed after these notices went unheeded.”
Adegoke further noted that the viral video posted by Ikokwu misrepresented the situation and was part of an effort to distort the facts surrounding the incident. “The video circulating on social media does not depict the full picture of what transpired. The occupants were given ample time to comply with the law,” he said.
Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, the General Manager of LASBCA, also weighed in on the issue, confirming that the agency followed all due processes. He explained that during a routine monitoring and enforcement exercise, the illegal demolition of the property was discovered. “Our officials were met with resistance from the occupants, who had failed to adhere to building regulations,” Oki explained.
The LASBCA general manager further asserted that the video showing Ikokwu’s staff allegedly confronting LASBCA officials was a deliberate attempt to obstruct the exercise. “We had a responsibility to ensure the safety of the area and to uphold the law. The video that was circulated was misleading, and its intent was to sway public opinion unfairly,” he added.
Despite the agency’s defense, the controversy surrounding the demolition has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the demolition process in Lagos State. Critics argue that the demolition of properties without proper compensation or notice is a recurring issue in the state, with many accusing the government of heavy-handed tactics.
Residents and business owners in Lekki and surrounding areas have voiced concerns about the aggressive enforcement of building regulations, especially when it comes to demolitions. A number of individuals have shared similar experiences, claiming that LASBCA often takes action without considering the full impact on the businesses and individuals involved.
“It’s not just about the demolition itself; it’s the way it was handled. They could have given us more time or at least allowed us to clear out our belongings properly,” one business owner in the area stated, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But this was rushed, and we weren’t given the respect we deserve.”
This incident also raises concerns about the relationship between government agencies and private property owners in Lagos. Critics suggest that while enforcing building regulations is essential, there needs to be more transparency and communication between authorities and citizens to avoid conflicts like this one.
On the other hand, supporters of the demolition argue that the LASBCA’s actions were necessary to uphold the integrity of the city’s infrastructure and ensure safety. “There is no room for compromise when it comes to building codes. Unsafe buildings pose a risk to everyone in the community,” said one resident, who supports the LASBCA’s stance on demolitions.
In his final remarks, LASBCA’s Oki implored the public to disregard the viral video and focus on the importance of adhering to building regulations. “The law is clear. We will continue to enforce building codes to ensure the safety and sustainability of Lagos,” he said. “We urge everyone to support the government’s efforts in maintaining a safer and more organized city.”
As the dust settles, the controversy over the Lekki demolition continues to stir debate, with many waiting to see whether there will be any consequences for the officials involved or if the matter will fade into the background. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing urban development with the rights of business owners and the broader public interest in safety and regulation.
The public reaction to this incident reflects a deep-seated tension between residents and government authorities in Lagos, especially when it comes to the enforcement of building codes. The allegations of theft and assault have sparked outrage among many, while others defend the actions of the LASBCA as necessary to maintain order and safety in the city.
