₦airaland Forum

Fawehinmi’s Associates Demand Demolition Of Hotel Near Late Legal Luminary’s Home


A coalition of senior lawyers, human rights advocates, journalists, and close associates of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), has demanded the immediate demolition of a four-storey hotel constructed beside the renowned lawyer’s residence in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The group, which includes human rights lawyers such as Femi Falana (SAN), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), and activists including Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Edetaen Ojo, Bayo Alabidun, and Lanre Arogundade, made their call during a press conference held on Friday, just days after what would have been Fawehinmi’s 87th posthumous birthday on April 22.

Describing the structure as both unlawful and hazardous, the coalition accused the developers of violating Lagos State’s urban planning laws and endangering the lives of the Late Fawehinmi family.

“The purpose of this gathering is to demand justice for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the great family he left behind,” the coalition declared in a jointly signed statement.

“The essence is to see that justice is done and manifestly seen to be done. In this regard, this marks the beginning of a series of actions we might be compelled to embark upon until we attain that goal of justice.”

Chief Fawehinmi, who died in 2009 at the age of 71, was celebrated for his lifelong dedication to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and human rights, often at great personal cost. His associates said the continued existence of the imposing hotel building was a desecration of his legacy.

According to the group, the hotel, referred to as a “so-called apartment,” was built in blatant contravention of urban planning regulations, particularly the mandatory three-metre setback between structures.

“So brazen were the dare-devil builders or developers that they ignored family warnings and chose to build their structure almost on top of Chief Gani’s fence,” the statement read.

“It is possible that they believe they are above the law. Or perhaps, they bear some grudge against Chief Gani and his family… But, whoever they think they are and whatever their motive, our stance is that this injustice should not, cannot and must not be allowed to stand.”

The group raised significant safety and privacy concerns, claiming that the building not only looms over the Fawehinmi compound but also poses a security risk, potentially serving as a surveillance or access point for criminal elements.

“The fence protecting Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s house faces imminent collapse,” they warned.

“A 1000-litre capacity water tank installed right on top of this 4-storey structure has thrice collapsed and fallen into Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s compound from this same apartment. We are fortunate that no one has so far been hurt or killed… But these repeated incidents themselves show without doubt how dangerously close this structure is.”

Describing the proximity of the structure as a “permanent threat to the security and safety of lives and property,” the coalition stressed that immediate action is required to prevent future tragedies.

“We do not want to wait until any such catastrophe occurs before taking action. We have, therefore, chosen to speak out now before deadlier incidents occur.”

In their list of demands, the group called for the immediate demolition of the hotel and an investigation into possible collusion between the developers and state officials.

“Our demands are simple,” they said.

“The so-called apartment building should be pulled down as the construction obviously violates Lagos State urban development and building regulations, particularly with regard to the mandatory setback requirement of at least three-metre space in-between buildings.

“The so-called apartment building should be pulled down because it menacingly towers above Chief Gani’s compound and could provide a safe haven for anyone with criminal and sinister intent against the family…”

“The so-called apartment building should be pulled down because it constitutes a permanent threat to the security and safety of lives and property in Chief Gani’s house.”

The coalition also called for heightened security around the Fawehinmi property to safeguard the family.

“This is not just about a building,” the group concluded.

“It is about protecting a legacy, preserving justice, and honouring the memory of a man who gave everything for the rights of others. This injustice must not stand.”

As of the time of filling this report, the Lagos State government was yet to issue a formal response to their demands.

The so-called apartment building should be pulled down because it constitutes a permanent threat to the security and safety of lives and property in Chief Gani’s house.”

“This is not just about a building,” the group concluded.

“It is about protecting a legacy, preserving justice, and honouring the memory of a man who gave everything for the rights of others. This injustice must not stand.”

Morbeta11:
https://leadership.ng/fawehinmis-associates-demand-demolition-of-hotel-near-late-legal-luminarys-home/

Morbeta11:
https://leadership.ng/fawehinmis-associates-demand-demolition-of-hotel-near-late-legal-luminarys-home/

chatinent:
Didn't the state town planners approve of the place before the building commenced? There is no way the hotel owner wouldn't have his complete registered papers before beginning his project.

No solid reason given to the demolition apart from saying that the family didn't want the hotel there. Na you go tell land owner what to build on his land?

And you are tryna bend the law to demolition a four storey building...of money, investment, and hardwork..just because the family of Gani didn't want a hotel built around them..or to honour Gani? ...on top another man's land?


How does it constitute a permanent threat! Reason not given. Is it noise pollution? Or the hotel owner stole Gani's land?



Wonders have ended. So because Gani said he doesn't want the hotel there so it must be removed...from a land the owner bought and wasn't given for free? Wow.

In other words, to preserve and honour Gani, if he wishes that Mr A be killed, he should be kīlled?


Attached is picture of the hotel I presume I saw on Punch.


Where is the threat of life laho?

Read....
Read without being biased and you would see where it is written about the Tank and building almost on the fence area.
Read!

Sads4r:
Dhdh

chatinent:
Didn't the state town planners approve of the place before the building commenced? There is no way the hotel owner wouldn't have his complete registered papers before beginning his project.

No solid reason given to the demolition apart from saying that the family didn't want the hotel there. Na you go tell land owner what to build on his land?

And you are tryna bend the law to demolish a four storey building...of money, investment, and hardwork... because you aren't in good terms with the hotel owner? ...just because the family of Gani didn't want a hotel built around them..or to honour Gani? ...on top another man's land?


How does it constitute a permanent threat! Reason not given. Is it noise pollution? Or the hotel owner stole Gani's land?



Irrelevant gaslighting! Wonders have ended. So because Gani said he doesn't want the hotel there so it must be removed...from a land the owner bought and wasn't given for free? Wow.

In other words, to preserve and honour Gani, if he wishes that Mr A be killed, he should be kīlled?


Attached is picture of the hotel I presume I saw on Punch.


Where is the threat of life laho?


Those SANs have become petty.

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

chatinent:
Read my post again and see the picture of the hotel and the tank stand.

If it was the tank stand, why not advocate that the owner solidifies or reposition it? Wetin concern demolition of full building concern tank stand?

From the image, how is that tank stand sitting on the fence?

There is ulterior motive. They want to flex power!

Obaman12:
Please, if there's any one that has the number of Senate Godswill Akpabio's brother, should pls kindly send it to me at goodman@gmail.com. My efforts so far to reach the Senate President as the senator representing my district has been abortive. So abeg, if you get the brother number, drop am for me. Na job placement opportunity I wan beg for, no be money.