Justice for Gani Fawehinmi: Coalition demands demolition of controversial building ‘erected dangerously close to’ late activist’s residence (see pix)

A coalition of friends, family and associates of the late human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), held a press conference on Friday to demand justice for his family and the protection of his legacy.
The event, which coincided with the posthumous anniversary of Fawehinmi’s birthday, highlighted ongoing concerns over a dangerous construction project near the Fawehinmi family home in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
In a statement signed by Femi Falana, SAN, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Edetaen Ojo, Bayo Alabidun, Femi Aborisade and Lanre Arogundade, the group called for the immediate demolition of a four-storey building that has been erected dangerously close to Fawehinmi’s property.
According to the coalition, the construction violates Lagos State’s urban development regulations and poses a significant threat to the safety of the Fawehinmi family.
The building in question, which is described as a commercial ‘apartment’, has caused multiple safety incidents, “including the collapse of a 1000-litre water tank that fell into the Fawehinmi compound three times. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, but the repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about the structure’s stability and the risk it poses to the family’s lives and property.

“The building is too close to the boundary of Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s residence. The safety of his family is at stake, and we cannot wait for a tragedy to occur before action is taken,” said Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), who spoke on behalf of the coalition.
Fawehinmi, who passed away in 2009, was known for his relentless fight for the rule of law, human rights and justice for Nigeria’s marginalised communities. His advocacy came at great personal cost, as he faced repeated arrests, detentions and harassment from both military and civilian governments.

His family endured significant hardship as a result of his activism, and the coalition expressed concern that the current situation represents a further injustice against them.

The group’s demands include the immediate removal of the building, citing its violation of the required three-meter setback between buildings, its potential to harbour criminal elements due to its commercial nature, and the ongoing safety risks it presents. Additionally, the coalition is calling for an investigation into how the building was allowed to be constructed despite these clear violations of Lagos State regulations.

The group also revealed that former Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire, who served from 2007 to 2011, had visited the site during an official function and personally instructed that construction be halted.
However, the coalition expressed frustration over the lack of progress since that intervention and called for a full inquiry into how the building was allowed to proceed.

“We expect the Lagos State Government to not only take immediate action to stop this construction but to also hold those responsible for the illegal development accountable,” said Femi Falana, SAN, one of the leading figures in the coalition.
The press conference marked the beginning of a series of actions the coalition intends to undertake until justice is served.

The group is determined to see that the building is demolished and that Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s legacy, along with the safety of his family, is fully protected.

The coalition’s call for justice has garnered widespread attention, with supporters rallying behind the Fawehinmi family in their pursuit of justice and accountability. As this story develops, the demand for action is only growing, with many calling for a swift and decisive response from the authorities.