Residents accuse developer of canal encroachment, planning violations
Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, was reportedly denied access to a disputed construction site at Osborne Foreshore Phase II Estate, Ikoyi, on Saturday after the developer, Kenshad International Ltd, allegedly shut its gates against him and his delegation.
Hamzat, who visited the estate following complaints by residents over alleged planning and environmental violations, reportedly waited for more than 30 minutes at the entrance of Abba Court, located on Mahogany Close, before the delegation eventually proceeded with engagements with residents.
The incident has raised concerns over the developer’s alleged disregard for government authorities and compliance with planning regulations.
Residents had accused Kenshad International of carrying out unauthorised construction activities capable of endangering lives and undermining the environmental integrity of the estate.
At a meeting tagged Osborne Phase II Residents and Public Leaders’ Dialogue, the residents alleged that the developer was constructing beneath high-tension electricity lines, building slabs over a canal and engaging in sand-filling activities that had narrowed the estate’s water outlets.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mr Adebisi Taiwo alleged that the developer had created an unauthorised back gate through which suspected thugs were brought into the estate to intimidate residents questioning its activities.
He further accused the developer of using security operatives and some government officials to harass and intimidate residents.
The residents called on the Lagos State Government to investigate the allegations against Kenshad International and its owner and take appropriate action where necessary.
They also questioned the developer’s reliance on a purported joint-venture arrangement with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to justify its activities, insisting that the Lagos government should establish whether the project complied with applicable planning regulations.
Responding to the complaints, Hamzat maintained that land use, physical planning and development control fall within the jurisdiction of state governments.
Citing Supreme Court decisions, he argued that the Federal Government could not assume the responsibilities of a state town-planning authority or issue building permits in place of the relevant state agencies.
The deputy governor expressed displeasure over the developer’s conduct and assured the residents that the state government would investigate the allegations and look into the activities at the disputed site.
Hamzat was accompanied on the visit by former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District; Hon Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly; commissioners and other government officials and political leaders.