A coalition of senior lawyers, human rights advocates, journalists, and close associates of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), has demanded the immediate demolition of a four-storey hotel constructed beside the renowned lawyer’s residence in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
The group, which includes human rights lawyers such as Femi Falana (SAN), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), and activists including Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Edetaen Ojo, Bayo Alabidun, and Lanre Arogundade, made their call during a press conference held on Friday, just days after what would have been Fawehinmi’s 87th posthumous birthday on April 22.
Describing the structure as both unlawful and hazardous, the coalition accused the developers of violating Lagos State’s urban planning laws and endangering the lives of the Late Fawehinmi family.
“The purpose of this gathering is to demand justice for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the great family he left behind,” the coalition declared in a jointly signed statement.
“The essence is to see that justice is done and manifestly seen to be done. In this regard, this marks the beginning of a series of actions we might be compelled to embark upon until we attain that goal of justice.”
Chief Fawehinmi, who died in 2009 at the age of 71, was celebrated for his lifelong dedication to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and human rights, often at great personal cost. His associates said the continued existence of the imposing hotel building was a desecration of his legacy.
According to the group, the hotel, referred to as a “so-called apartment,” was built in blatant contravention of urban planning regulations, particularly the mandatory three-metre setback between structures.
“So brazen were the dare-devil builders or developers that they ignored family warnings and chose to build their structure almost on top of Chief Gani’s fence,” the statement read.
“It is possible that they believe they are above the law. Or perhaps, they bear some grudge against Chief Gani and his family… But, whoever they think they are and whatever their motive, our stance is that this injustice should not, cannot and must not be allowed to stand.”
The group raised significant safety and privacy concerns, claiming that the building not only looms over the Fawehinmi compound but also poses a security risk, potentially serving as a surveillance or access point for criminal elements.
“The fence protecting Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s house faces imminent collapse,” they warned.
“A 1000-litre capacity water tank installed right on top of this 4-storey structure has thrice collapsed and fallen into Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s compound from this same apartment. We are fortunate that no one has so far been hurt or killed… But these repeated incidents themselves show without doubt how dangerously close this structure is.”
Describing the proximity of the structure as a “permanent threat to the security and safety of lives and property,” the coalition stressed that immediate action is required to prevent future tragedies.
“We do not want to wait until any such catastrophe occurs before taking action. We have, therefore, chosen to speak out now before deadlier incidents occur.”
In their list of demands, the group called for the immediate demolition of the hotel and an investigation into possible collusion between the developers and state officials.
“Our demands are simple,” they said.
“The so-called apartment building should be pulled down as the construction obviously violates Lagos State urban development and building regulations, particularly with regard to the mandatory setback requirement of at least three-metre space in-between buildings.
“The so-called apartment building should be pulled down because it menacingly towers above Chief Gani’s compound and could provide a safe haven for anyone with criminal and sinister intent against the family…”
“The so-called apartment building should be pulled down because it constitutes a permanent threat to the security and safety of lives and property in Chief Gani’s house.”
The coalition also called for heightened security around the Fawehinmi property to safeguard the family.
“This is not just about a building,” the group concluded.
“It is about protecting a legacy, preserving justice, and honouring the memory of a man who gave everything for the rights of others. This injustice must not stand.”
As of the time of filling this report, the Lagos State government was yet to issue a formal response to their demands.
