The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the recent demolition of structures in FESTAC Town, saying the exercise was not authorised by the state and does not reflect its procedures or policy.
This was made known in an official statement titled “Lagos Government Denies Involvement in FESTAC Demolition”, issued by Mukaila Sanusi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, clarified that the demolitions, which left several traders and property owners in shock, were not carried out by the Lagos State Government or any of its authorised agencies.
According to Olumide, the state government follows strict and transparent procedures for any demolition exercise, including the issuance of statutory notices, engagement with stakeholders, and final approval from relevant authorities.
“We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government remains committed to fairness, due process, and the protection of property rights. Any demolitions carried out without proper authorisation do not reflect the position or practice of this administration,” the statement read.
The clarification from the Lagos State Government comes after a series of demolitions took place in FESTAC earlier in October, particularly at 6th Avenue, where more than 15 buildings were torn down over the weekend.
Eyewitnesses described how bulldozers arrived without prior warning and began pulling down shops, homes, and business structures, sending residents into panic.
“People were crying and running around. No notice was given. Many of us lost our goods and means of livelihood,” said a shop owner who witnessed the incident.
The sudden demolitions sparked anger, confusion, and rumours that the state government had sanctioned the exercise. But with the latest statement, the government has made it clear that it had no hand in the action.
The Commissioner urged all agencies operating within Lagos, including federal authorities, to work closely with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before embarking on any demolition.
He stressed the need for proper communication and coordination to avoid unnecessary hardship and destruction, particularly when residents and businesses are affected.
“Any organisation, whether public or private, must follow laid-down procedures and obtain official clearance before taking such drastic action,” Olumide stated.
Though the Lagos Government did not name the agency responsible for the FESTAC demolitions, sources within the community suspect it may have been carried out by a federal agency, possibly related to land management or housing.
FESTAC Town, originally developed by the Federal Government during the 1977 Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), still falls under federal jurisdiction in certain aspects, particularly land ownership and estate management. This often leads to confusion and overlap of responsibilities between federal and state agencies.
The FESTAC area has long been the subject of disputes between federal and state authorities, especially concerning physical planning and regulation. This tension sometimes results in uncoordinated actions like the recent demolitions, which leave residents unsure of which authority is responsible.
Stakeholders and urban development experts have consistently called for clarity in land administration, especially in areas where both state and federal interests intersect.
A property consultant, who spoke anonymously, said, “We need harmonisation of land laws. People don’t know whether to follow federal or state rules in FESTAC, and this confusion affects development and investment.”
In the wake of the incident, the Lagos State Government is urging residents not to panic and to verify any official demolition order with the Ministry of Physical Planning before taking action or leaving their properties.
“We are a responsible government, and we understand the pain that comes with displacement, especially without due process. Lagosians can rest assured that we will continue to stand for their rights and welfare,” the commissioner concluded.
