A growing outcry has erupted among Nigeria’s top legal and human rights figures, calling for the immediate demolition of a controversial four-storey hotel built beside the home of late human rights icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
In a passionate press briefing held on Friday, April 25, 2025, just days after what would have been Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s 87th posthumous birthday, a coalition of renowned legal minds and rights activists condemned the hotel’s construction as both illegal and dangerous.
Led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) including Femi Falana, Clement, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, and joined by prominent civil society figures such as Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Edetaen Ojo, Bayo Alabidun, and Lanre Arogundade, the group issued a firm demand: the structure must come down.
According to the coalition, the hotel was built in defiance of Lagos State’s urban planning laws, especially the required three-metre setback between buildings. They claim the developers blatantly ignored repeated warnings from the Fawehinmi family, erecting the building almost directly against the fence of the iconic activist’s residence.
“So brazen were the developers that they built the structure practically on Chief Gani’s wall,” the group stated. “Their actions reflect not only disregard for legal statutes but also an utter disrespect for the memory and legacy of a man who sacrificed his life for justice in Nigeria.”
The coalition also emphasized the potential danger the building poses, alleging that the hotel may be used for surveillance or other criminal purposes due to its proximity and height. Even more alarming, they said, is the history of physical incidents linked to the building.
One such incident involved a 1,000-litre water tank, reportedly mounted atop the hotel, which has collapsed three times into the Fawehinmi compound. Although no lives have been lost so far, the group warned that it’s only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs if immediate action isn’t taken.
“The fence around Chief Gani’s home is on the verge of collapse. We cannot wait for lives to be lost before taking action,” they said. “This protest is just the beginning. We are ready to embark on sustained advocacy until justice is done.”
The group’s demands are threefold:
1. Immediate demolition of the hotel for violating Lagos State’s building regulations.
2. An investigation into possible collusion between the developers and government officials who may have approved the construction.
3. Enhanced security for the Fawehinmi family to protect them from any potential harm.
The coalition emphasized that this issue transcends a mere structural dispute. “This is about honouring the memory of a man who paid dearly to uphold the rule of law. We cannot let such a legacy be compromised,” they stated.
Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 71, remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated defenders of justice, democracy, and human rights. He faced numerous arrests and persecutions during military regimes, earning him a revered status among activists and lawyers nationwide.
The activists concluded their message with a resounding vow to continue pressing until the hotel is demolished, saying, “This injustice must not, cannot, and will not be allowed to stand.”
Stay updated on this developing story and more by visiting NIGPOST.com.ng. Share your views in the comments—should the building be pulled down? Let your voice be heard.
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