- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Government has denied alleged involvement in the recent demolition of structures on the Sixth Avenue, FESTAC Town.
Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, made this known on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja.
Olumide said that the state government had no hand in the demolitions and followed a clear process before bringing down any structure.
He said that such process included giving all necessary notices and engaging with people who may be affected.
The commissioner urged all agencies, including federal ones, to always consult and get clearance from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development before carrying out any demolition.
“We want to assure residents that the Lagos State Government is committed to fairness, due process and protection of property rights.
“Any demolition done without proper authorisation does not represent the position of this administration,” the Commissioner said.
This is coming hours after a viral video capturing the devasted state of the demolished buildings’ occupants triggered public outrage with former Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, leading the charge.
NPO Reported that Emenike had accused the Lagos state government of carrying out tribe-targeted demolitions.
While avoiding direct mention of the allegedly targeted tribe, Emenike in his caption on the video slammed the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, threatening that the governor will pay for his actions.
The ex-Super Eagles however faulted the Igbo traders in Lagos for their reluctance to leave the state and set up their businesses in the Southeastern states and other places in Nigeria.
“His biggest achievement since he became the governor is to destroy homes of a particular tribe. You will pay for that, believe me.
“The problem I have with my people NDI IGBO is that they don’t have ear so they should enjoy the demolition.
“You can do your businesses in ABUJA, ANAMBRA, IMO, ABIA, ENUGU, EBONYI, EVEN DELTA STATE.” He wrote.