Prominent legal and civil society figures under the banner of the Coalition of Friends and Associates of Gani Fawehinmi have called on the Lagos State Government to immediately demolish a four-storey building erected beside the late human rights icon’s residence in Ikeja GRA.
Speaking at a press conference held at Fawehinmi’s residence, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), flanked by notable activists including Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Edetaen Ojo, Bayo Alabidun, Lanre Arogundade and Femi Aborisade, described the structure as an illegal and dangerous encroachment that threatens lives and property.
“The purpose of this gathering is simple: to demand justice for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the great family he left behind.
“We are dealing with a blatant disregard for Lagos State’s urban development regulations. This structure violates the mandatory three-metre setback and looms perilously over the Fawehinmi family home,” Falana said.
According to Falana, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had already sealed the building with markings dated April 24, 2025.
However, he said that enforcement actions had not gone far enough, warning that the structure’s presence remains a serious hazard.
“The developers either consider themselves above the law or harbour some form of hostility towards the Fawehinmi family.
“Whatever the case, this injustice must not be allowed to stand. The building must be brought down,” he said.
Falana further alleged that the building, which appears to be a commercial property, could be exploited as a hideout for criminal activity against the family.
He highlighted multiple safety concerns, including the repeated collapse of a 1,000-litre rooftop water tank into the Fawehinmi compound, fortunately, with no casualties so far.
“These repeated incidents highlight the dangerous proximity of the structure. We are not going to wait for tragedy to occur before demanding accountability,” he said.
The coalition warned that the press conference was just the first step in a sustained campaign to ensure the safety of the Fawehinmi residence and uphold the rule of law in property development.
“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. This marks the beginning of a series of actions we may be compelled to take until our goal of justice is achieved,” Falana declared.
The Lagos State Government has yet to respond publicly to the group’s demands.
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