The Lagos State Government has stated that the demolition of damaged buildings in Alaba International Market in the state’s Ojo district is being done to save lives.
Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), stated this on Saturday during an on-the-spot market assessment.
According to news sources, the recent demolition of shops at the market sparked a controversy, which was allegedly directed at Igbo-owned and run companies in Lagos.
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Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formed a committee to resolve the tensions between Igbo and Yoruba in the state.
During the market evaluation, the seven-member group set up by the governor, Oki explained that the demolition was to enforce building regulations and prevent building collapse.
He said most of the demolished buildings lacked permits and necessary documentation.
He said: “All we are after is that the lives of traders and other Nigerians are extremely important to the Lagos state government.
“I have seen people painting buildings that are dilapidated, that are not good. It is not painting that makes a building new. Our lives are more important.”
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Oki ordered owners of distressed buildings slated for destruction to demolish them within two weeks to avoid tragedy, warning that the government would intervene if the instructions were ignored.
He stated that the government’s actions are not influenced by ethnicity, and that the main goal is to prevent building collapses and safeguard the safety of traders and other Nigerians.
Oki stated that Sanwo-Olu formed the committee to investigate the demolition without raising dissatisfaction among market vendors.
He further stated that LASBCA officials were frequently stopped from implementing regulations by those who failed to get building plan approvals or who illegally altered their homes.
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