Human rights activists, including prominent figures such as Femi Falana, Lanre Arogundade, and Edetaen Ojo, have raised alarms over threats directed at the family of the late human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi.
Their concern stems from the construction of a four-storey hotel situated dangerously close to the boundary of the Fawehinmi residence in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
This project, according to the advocates, is an infringement on property regulations and poses a significant risk to the family.
Falana, speaking on behalf of the concerned group in quick meet up with journalist on Sunday, he condemned the actions of the developers, suggesting that the construction might have been carried out with the backing of corrupt officials or due to personal animosity towards the Fawehinmi family.
The structure, which was erected too close to the family’s property, has already led to incidents where a 1,000-litre water tank installed atop the building has repeatedly fallen into the compound.
He stated, “An individual or group of individuals, either acting in utter contempt of the rules and regulations guiding property development in Lagos State or acting in connivance with unscrupulous government officials, have decided to erect a four-storey hotel right by the fence protecting the front part of Fawehinmi’s house in Ikeja GRA. So brazen were the dare-devil builders or developers that they ignored family warnings and chose to build their structure almost on top of Fawehinmi’s fence. It is possible that they believe they are above the law. Or perhaps, they bear some grudge against him and his family and therefore do not see anything wrong in their brazen act of recklessness and injustice.”
Falana emphasised the need for immediate intervention, stating that such an unsafe structure threatens the integrity of the surrounding area, with the potential to cause harm.
He expressed deep concern about the possibility of a tragedy if no action is taken. The advocates are calling for the demolition of the hotel, asserting that it violates urban development laws, specifically the requirement for a three-meter setback between buildings.
via: Information Nigeria
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