The Lagos State Government has sealed two prominent leisure spots—Timeless Beach and Iceland Beach—along with issuing stop-work orders to 180 other buildings in the Okun-Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government for encroaching on state-owned land.
The enforcement operation, which commenced early Tuesday, was spearheaded by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu. According to Alebiosu, multiple warnings and official summons had been served to the affected parties, but were consistently ignored, prompting the state to take decisive action.
“This level of disregard for laid-down rules and property ownership cannot be tolerated,” he said. “The State Government has made efforts to engage the affected parties, but their refusal to comply has left us with no choice.”
Alebiosu revealed that over 40 property owners who had earlier contravened regulations had since regularised their developments and received official E-Survey documents after fulfilling legal requirements. However, he condemned the continued illegal construction activities by others who, according to him, were “hell-bent on calling the bluff of the system.”
More than 20 individuals were arrested during the enforcement exercise and are expected to face legal action.
The Commissioner emphasized that the state remains committed to safeguarding its waterfronts and promoting orderly and sustainable development in coastal areas.