- Gate Closure: The entry and exit gates of Banana Island in Ikoyi, Lagos State, were closed by government agents, causing a lockdown on the Lekki-Ajah axis and other parts of Ikoyi.
- Conflicting Claims: There were contradictory claims about the government agencies responsible for the closure, with some attributing it to federal agencies and others to state agencies.
- Denial of Involvement: Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA) and the Lagos State Taskforce denied involvement in the operation.
- Proposed Demolition: The shutdown was reportedly due to the proposed demolition of the Banana Club House.
The closure of Banana Island’s gates has sparked confusion, with multiple government agencies denying involvement. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABCA) and the Lagos State Taskforce claim they did not carry out the operation. However, LABCA’s Public Affairs Officer, Adu Ademuyiwa, reiterated the state government’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws.
The Lagos State government has been enforcing urban planning laws, identifying structures that violate building codes for demolition. This includes buildings under high-tension power lines and within restricted shoreline areas. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has also urged owners of Federal Government lands and houses in Lagos State to remit their ground rent to the government’s coffer.
