The Lagos State Government cannot continue to tolerate such blatant disregard for laid-down rules and legal ownership of land
The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has sealed off two prominent leisure destinations—Timeless Beach and Iceland Beach—along with 180 other buildings in the Okun-Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government over various contravention offences, including encroachment on government-owned land.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, made this known during a media briefing on Monday in Lagos. He revealed that the affected properties were sanctioned following their owners’ persistent disregard for official notices and summons earlier issued by the state.
According to Alebiosu, the ministry had made several attempts to engage and warn the offenders through formal communications, but these were consistently ignored, necessitating the current enforcement action.
“The state government cannot continue to tolerate such blatant disregard for laid-down rules and legal ownership of land. We have made every effort to reach out to these individuals, but their refusal to comply has left us with no alternative but to act decisively,” the commissioner said.
He further explained that some of the affected parties had been given an opportunity to rectify their infractions. Over 40 individuals who had earlier received contravention notices were eventually regularised and issued E-Survey documents after meeting all legal requirements. However, others opted to flout the rules and went ahead with illegal developments.
Alebiosu emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting its land assets and maintaining sustainable development along the state’s waterfront corridors. He added that the ministry’s actions were in line with its mandate to curb unlawful occupation and ensure orderly urban development.
In the course of the enforcement operation, over 20 suspected violators were arrested. Alebiosu confirmed that they would be prosecuted according to the law to serve as a deterrent to others.