Nigerian social media influencer and luxury car reviewer, Olayinka Akinwande, popularly known as Ola of Lagos, has lost his car showroom to the ongoing demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government.
As captured in a video shared on Sunday, the showroom located in Lekki area of the state was demolished with other structures along the axis over alleged violation of safety regulations.
Ola of Lagos’ showroom was reportedly built directly under 33kV high-tension power lines.
Reacting in the video recorded after the demolition, the auto dealer appeared to have accepted the development with words of encouragement.
“Stay blessed, stay humble stay happy. Enjoy the pain and joy of life.” He said.
However, the demolition of the building had sparked mixed reactions from netizens with some calling out the state government for their negligence when the building was under construction as well as their lack of empathy during the demolition exercise.
Some however maintained that the demolition was foreseen by Ola of Lagos as he knows the likelihood of the building being demolished due to the high-tension cable above it.
“Just saw the news about the demolition and honestly, it’s painful to watch. We understand the government has rules to enforce, but the way this was done, so sudden, with little warning, leaves hardworking Lagosians struggling. Years of effort, money, and dreams can’t just disappear in a day. Laws are important, yes, but so is empathy. Enforcement shouldn’t mean crushing lives overnight. Governance is about people, not just power.”@DeeVoidElder
“All of una go just dey talk rubi$h, everyone car dealer on that side of the road on Lekki Epe expressway is affected because there’s an underground pipe being installed along that axis all the way from Dangote refinery. Not just car dealers but everyone who has a building there”@ObiokoyeChinon3
“Businesses & houses are being destroyed daily whether for good or bad reasons. Whatever the reason, it discourages foreign investors. If a building was constructed & stood for years, then the govt clearly failed in its duty cos such a structure shouldnt have existed in the 1st place. That is a failed govt !”@kunmiadelokiki
“Omo Ola of Lagos’ showroom demolished Keh, That’s tough to hear. Was there a notice or due process? Lagos is trying to sanitize structures, but they need to balance enforcement with fairness especially for young entrepreneurs trying to build something. Hope he bounces back stronger.”@AJ_Daniel6
“This demolition is a disgrace! Impoverishing hardworking Nigerians for ‘safety’ while luxury developers get a pass? Where’s the justice? A proper process would involve clear notices, alternative locations, and compensation—not bulldozers at dawn.”@livingicon
“A whole CNG ambassador. If it was a Igbo person that owns this showroom now you go don hear agenda. We don’t care who owns it here. If you break law you go down we don’t care.”@Obj0x0
“To solve these issues, land documentation, approval, and payment should be handled on a government-approved website, one site for everything. This would remove bad actors, let people buy confidently, and ensure compliance with laws, all at no extra cost beyond the required fees.”@_Bigsub
“He built under a high-tension power line. At this time and age, if they don’t warn you, you should know the law, and there is no ignorance in law.”@Humbletunde
“Ola of Lagos is not even the sole owner of this dealership, they are just using his name(brand) to market their cars. So this isn’t about Ola, it should be about who owns the dealership.”@dizneyx
“I will always hold lagos state govt accountable for all these. This clearly shows that the town planning committee in lagos state ain’t working. Like where were they when the structures were being erected. How come no one stopped him. If its to collect tax, they will never skip.”@Billions_mind
