A Lagos landlord, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, has taken legal action against the Lagos State Government and its Building and Planning Agencies, accusing them of approving a six-storey building on Plot B-7, Banana Island, in violation of the area’s original building model specifications.
Allegations of Building Code Breach
Dr. Chukwuma-Odii, who owns a low-density residential property at 327 Close, Plot 8, Zone B, Banana Island, insists that the Ikoyi-Victoria Island Model City Plan (2013–2033) restricts developments in the area to a maximum height of 25 meters and no more than four floors. He alleges that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LSPPPA) granted approval in 2021 for a six-unit residential development on Plot B-7 but that the developer, Fandago Properties Ltd., deviated from the approved plan by:
- Reducing setbacks and airspace beyond permissible limits
- Constructing multiple flats overlooking his single-family home, leading to privacy violations and aesthetic distortions
- Disrupting the area’s skyline and increasing environmental risks
Legal Action and Government Involvement
Despite complaints to the Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association (BIPORAL) and the Ministry of Physical Planning, enforcement actions were allegedly inconsistent. The site was reportedly sealed twice but later reopened, allowing construction to continue.
Dr. Chukwuma-Odii’s legal team, led by Samuel N. Agweh (SAN) & Associates, filed a petition that led to a stop-work order on September 2, 2024. However, he claims Fandago Properties ignored the directive and continued construction.
Court Demands
The claimant is seeking:
- Revocation of the planning permit and approval for the building.
- A court declaration that the development violates approved specifications.
- A perpetual injunction stopping further construction in its current form.
- An order for demolition of the illegal structure.
The case is expected to set a precedent for building regulation enforcement in high-profile locations like Banana Island.
