Lagos Estate Residents Seeks Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abiru’s Intervention Over Alleged Unlawful Demolitions by LABSCA

By Fortune Ibeh

Resident of TOS Benson Estate are grappling over the loss of their properties, after what they describe as an unlawful demolition carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the GRA II residents.

The demolition, which was reported to have happened twice, with the most recent been, 10th October, 2024, have raised concerns over the legallity and transparency of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and some influencial actors in this events.

According to some of the residents, these demolitions has disregarded court orders, after a suit was filled through their lawful Attonery. The suit No.IKD/1317LMW/2015 between MADAM ESTHER FEHINTOLA HARRIET &ORS v CHIEF AHMED ADEBIYI &ORS and the Honourable court,coram M.A SAVAGE (J) on the 17th December, 2015 did obtain an Order of interlocutory injuction of status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The residents of the TOS BENSON Estate affirms that they have lawfully acquired the lands in question, in a petition “Our brief is that our client has been in occupation of the above subject matter for over 20 years now where they have built their various houses.”

This dispute has led to destructions, harassment and police involvement on behalf of GRA II residents, including threats from influencial figures.

In a petition obtained by Newslens NG, TOS BENSON Estate residents representatives alleged, “The GRA ll residents in complicity and connivance with the LASBCA officials keeps terrorising and threatening our clients to vacate and deliver vacant possession of the property to them as forming part of the GRA ll scheme.”

Residents of TOS Benson Estate claim a court injunction was disregarded as LASBCA officials, allegedly led by Engineer Olatunbosun Jide Ladipo, carried out demolitions without any formal demolition notice or legal documentation, even when reminded of the pendency of Suit No.IKD/1317LMW/2015 between MADAM ESTHER FEHINTOLA HARRIET &ORS v CHIEF AHMED ADEBIYI & ORS and a subsisting interlocutory Order of status quo, he was alleged to have reported “which court order, are we all not part of the government?” He asked.

Backed by influential figures like Mr. Moshood Alalade Lawal, who allegedly used his brother’s connections to secure police protection.

Residents reports have being subjected to threats, harassment, and violent eviction efforts. The alleged misuse of authority and police influence has escalated tensions in the area, leading residents to appeal for government intervention to uphold their rights and prevent further demolitions.

The situation has intensified, with two young residents reportedly detained on alleged charges of trying to sell a house when they attempted to take photographs of developments going on in violation of the court Order of status quo.

Residents of the TOS BENSON ESTATE are calling on the governor to come to their rescue and redress the illegality perpetrated by the culprits.