Lagos Government Denies Involvement in FESTAC Town Demolition, Cautions Federal Agencies
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News.

State Distances Itself from FESTAC Demolitions

The Lagos State Government has firmly denied authorising the recent demolition of buildings on Sixth Avenue, FESTAC Town, clarifying that it played no role in the operation and was not consulted before it took place.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made the disclosure on Tuesday, October 14, during a press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja. He stated that the government maintains a transparent and regulated procedure before approving or executing any structural demolition in the state.

According to Akahi News, Olumide emphasised that any such process must follow due notice and proper engagement with affected property owners, stressing that the FESTAC demolitions did not meet these criteria.

“We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government is committed to fairness, due process, and the protection of property rights. Any demolition done without proper authorisation does not represent the position of this administration,” the Commissioner said.

Due Process and Urban Regulation

Olumide reiterated that before any structure is brought down in Lagos, the government ensures a step-by-step legal process is followed. This includes serving statutory notices, public consultations, and providing adequate response periods for all affected parties.

Akahi News gathered that the Commissioner’s statement follows public outrage and confusion after several structures were recently demolished in the FESTAC axis without official notice from the state government. Residents had accused state officials of complicity, but the government’s clarification suggests a possible intervention by another authority, potentially at the federal level.

Warning to Federal and Other Agencies

The Lagos State Government used the opportunity to caution federal agencies and other bodies operating within the state to seek proper clearance before carrying out any demolition or urban development enforcement.

Olumide stressed that physical planning in Lagos falls under the state’s exclusive purview and that unauthorised actions risk undermining coordinated urban governance.

“All agencies — including federal ones — must consult and obtain clearance from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before executing any demolition exercise within Lagos,” he said.

Observers told Akahi News that the warning reflects growing tensions between state and federal authorities over overlapping jurisdiction in urban management, particularly in areas like FESTAC and other federally developed estates.

Public Reassurance and Next Steps

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Olumide assured Lagosians that the state remains dedicated to protecting citizens’ property rights and will investigate any demolition conducted without lawful authorisation.

He urged affected residents to report any suspicious or unauthorised demolition activity directly to the ministry to ensure swift intervention and accountability.

The clarification, Akahi News notes, has brought temporary relief to residents, though many continue to demand compensation and accountability from whoever ordered the demolitions.

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