The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, was reportedly prevented from accessing a disputed construction site at Osborne Foreshore Phase II Estate in Ikoyi during an official visit on Saturday.
The incident involved Kenshad International Limited, a property developer accused by residents of alleged planning violations and environmental infractions at the estate.
Hamzat, who arrived with a delegation of government officials and political leaders, reportedly waited for more than 30 minutes at the entrance of Abba Court, a development located along Mahogany Close, after finding the gates locked.
The visit followed complaints from residents who expressed concerns that the developer’s activities could endanger public safety and damage the estate’s environmental structure.
Some residents questioned why the developer would refuse entry to the Deputy Governor and his delegation if there was nothing irregular about the construction activities.
Hamzat reportedly expressed displeasure over the incident and assured residents that the state government would investigate their complaints.
During a meeting tagged “Osborne Phase II Residents and Public Leaders’ Dialogue,” residents raised several allegations against the developer.
These included claims that construction was taking place beneath high-tension electricity lines, concrete slabs had been built over a canal, and sand-filling activities had reduced the capacity of water outlets within the estate.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mr Adebisi Taiwo alleged that the developer had created an unauthorised rear entrance through which suspected thugs were brought into the estate to intimidate residents questioning its activities.
Taiwo also accused the developer of using security personnel and some government officials to harass and intimidate residents who opposed the construction work.
The residents called on the Lagos State Government to investigate Kenshad International Limited and its owner, and take appropriate action if the allegations were established.
They further questioned the developer’s reliance on an alleged joint-venture arrangement with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to justify its activities.
According to the residents, the state government should review the arrangement and determine whether the project complies with applicable planning and development regulations.
Responding to the complaints, Hamzat maintained that matters relating to land use, physical planning and development control fall within the constitutional jurisdiction of state governments.
Citing Supreme Court decisions, he argued that the Federal Government could not independently assume the responsibilities of state town-planning authorities or issue building approvals in place of the appropriate state agencies.
He assured the residents that the Lagos State Government would examine the developer’s activities and address the issues raised.
Hamzat was accompanied during the visit by former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District; Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly; and other government officials.
Source: Vanguard
