- As the new year unfolds, the Lagos government has reignited its controversial house demolition efforts, citing a mix of urgent urban issues that require immediate attention—from severe environmental hazards and rampant zoning violations to the increasingly dangerous living conditions across the city.
- Among those whose properties have been destroyed is Chioma Goodhair, a well-known businesswoman whose store was completely flattened in one of the government’s most recent demolition drives.
- In the aftermath of the devastation, Goodhair, visibly shaken and angered, publicly accused the demolition team of not only destroying her livelihood but also of engaging in theft.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has waded into the growing storm of controversy surrounding the demolished property of reality TV star Chioma Ikokwu, who has publicly accused the agency of not only unjustly demolishing her business and restaurant in Lekki but also of denying her access to the remnants of her belongings.
Chioma, known for her role on The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL), had previously stated that LASBCA officials, backed by policemen, used forceful intimidation to prevent her from salvaging anything after her property was leveled.
In a passionate social media post, Chioma claimed that despite receiving a formal notice from LASBCA to evacuate the premises where she ran her hair business and restaurant, the situation took a darker turn when she and her team were in the process of removing what remained of her belongings after the demolition.
According to Chioma, when she attempted to access her property to salvage equipment and personal items, LASBCA officials blocked her entry and refused to allow her to recover anything, all while using the police to ensure compliance, a move she tagged as theft.
The star’s allegations quickly went viral, drawing fierce backlash against LASBCA, with many questioning the agency’s methods and calling the entire process unjust.
However, the agency has now released a detailed statement to address the controversy, insisting that their actions were entirely justified and part of their duty to enforce building laws in Lagos State.
Adu Adegoke, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at LASBCA, issued a firm response, stating that the properties witheld in question was not a legal structure but rather illegal attachments to a building.
LASBCA argued that Chioma had been duly served with all the necessary notices required under the law, including “convention,” “seal-off,” and “quit” notices, which are standard procedures for buildings that violate the state’s building codes and regulations. The agency emphasized that the owners were given ample time to rectify the violations but failed to do so.
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LASBCA Reacts to Viral Video on Removal of Illegal Attachment in Eti-Osa
The attention of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating online regarding the removal of an illegal attachment to a building by their owners at pic.twitter.com/QgnjhoJoVl
— Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) (@LasbcaA) January 3, 2025
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