Gov Ambode sacks All Occupants of Lekki Gardens’ Buildings

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has ordered occupants in all houses that had been built by the now embattled Lekki Gardens, in Lagos, to vacate their apartments.

He also ordered integrity tests to be carried out on the buildings to ascertain their fitness.

The governor, who visited the site of the five-storeyed collapsed building, which killed 35 people in Lekki, said he was displeased with what he saw, hence the need for immediate action.

Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja, shortly after his inspection of the site and other buildings owned by Lekki Gardens, added that any building found to be defective would be demolished.

He stated the developer would take the responsibility for the relocation of occupants of the buildings.

He said, “The state government will undertake stability tests on all other buildings constructed by the developers in the state, whether occupied or not, to ascertain their structural stability. The developers will pay the cost of the tests. Any building found to be defective will be demolished.

“Also, the state government intends to carry out an audit of all structures in Lagos to ascertain whether they have planning approval or not. The details of this initiative are being finalised and you will be briefed in due course.

“Let me reiterate that Lagos is open to business, but everybody must comply with the state’s laws and regulations. Our main concern is to continue to improve on the ease of doing business and uphold the rule of law at all times. Those who choose non-compliance and defiance will henceforth face the full weight of the law.”