The Lagos State Building Control Agency in collaboration with other Agencies, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency have agreed to work together with Obalende residents to give the area a new look that befits a metropolitan city.
Speaking during a meeting held with the Executives of Obalende Landlords Association today at the Agency Headquarters, Oba Akinjobi Way Ikeja, Lagos, the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, Arc Gbolahan Oki remarked that the Government wants a better Obalende and all hands must be on deck to make it a reality.
He further said that it has been established that after hundred years there should be a renewal, but instead of the residents to tow the line of best practices, the Landlords in the area have started developing the land, constructing gigantic buildings without recourse to the term of agreement and the State building control laws and regulations. It is evident that all the ongoing constructions in the area do not have Government approval.
Oki however agreed after much pleas from the Residents that government is ready to give the Landlords a month and half to present documents they have in respect of the land to LASURA for proper scrutiny and also to LASPPPA to show proof that they have building plan approval to build the designed structure on the land.
The General Manger LASPPPA, TPL. Kehinde Osinaike revealed that the processing time to get an approval is no longer cumbersome, but it is achievable within ten working days as long as building owner/developer can present all statutory documents which must include evidence of tax payment to the State Government.
He assured the association that they will be able to get their approval in ten days once they have gotten their clearance from LASURA.
The General Manger LASURA, TPL. Ajibike Shomade pointed out that Obalende has become a shadow of what it used to be back in the days and one of the Agency’s assignments of responsibilities is to make Lagos a Resilient, Beautiful and Sustainable Environment.
She stated further that the Agency will not allow Obalende become a slum within a city, she enjoined the Landlords to come to the Agency for clearance with their title documents.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr.Olaitan Nurudeen appreciated all the General Managers for their swift response in granting them audience and stated that the reason they called for the meeting is in respect to the Quit and Demolition Notices served to the community by the Government, pleaded with the Agencies to temper justice with mercy as most of the houses were passed down to them by their parents.
He however appreciated the General Manager’s indulgence in expanding the time frame and affirmed that they have taken wholeheartedly what all the General Manager said and work would immediately begin on it.
He made it known that he understands the aim of the Government but would appreciate if both parties can find a common ground.
Arc.Oki concluded that a serene and live able Obalende is a task we must not afford to fail or falter, and the time is now to work together to achieve the feat, he insisted.
Gbadeyan Abdulraheem
Assistant Director (Public Affairs)
LASBCA