A coalition of legal icons, rights advocates, and allies of the late Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) is demanding the immediate demolition of a four-storey hotel built next to his Ikeja GRA residence in Lagos.
Their call was made during a Friday protest and press conference shortly after Fawehinmi’s posthumous 87th birthday on April 22. They denounced the building as illegal and a grave risk to the safety, privacy, and legacy of his family.
“The purpose of this gathering is to demand justice for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the great family he left behind,” the coalition stated in a statement jointly signed by human rights lawyers and activists Femi Falana, SAN; Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN; Adindu Ugwuzor; Richard Akinnola; Edetaen Ojo; Bayo Alabidun, Femi Aborishade and Lanre Arogundade.
The group claims the building was constructed with blatant disregard for urban planning laws and poses a risk to the safety and privacy of the Fawehinmi family.
Alleged Violations
The coalition alleges that the developers ignored multiple warnings and built the structure almost directly on the property’s boundary wall, violating the mandatory three-metre minimum setback between buildings.
They also raised concerns about the building’s height and location, which could serve as a surveillance point or access route for individuals with criminal intentions.
Security Risks
The group highlighted serious security concerns, including a 1000-litre capacity water tank that has collapsed three times, falling into Fawehinmi’s compound.
They fear for the safety of the family and demand enhanced security measures around the property.
Demands
The coalition’s demands include:
– Immediate demolition of the structure
– Investigation into possible collusion between developers and government officials
– Enhanced security measures around the Fawehinmi property