Oniru building collapse: 'Developer kicked us out' - Lagos official suggests owner is powerful

The collapse of a building in Oniru again highlights the apparent laxity of the Lagos government in enforcing laws governing construction.

The seven-story structure collapsed in the early hours of Oba Idowu Oniru Street near Palace Road in Oniru on Sunday.

Already, two bodies have been recovered by rescuers and transported to the morgue; the search for other bodies and possible survivors continues.

Speaking at the scene, Planning Commissioner Idris Salako revealed how the developer chased away state officials at different times.

Salako told reporters that the site was sealed off three times, but the owner avoided warnings and got back to work.

"We have a developer who is hostile and in breach of the Lagos State Town and Regional Planning Act, 2019, as amended," he said.

The commissioner confirmed that he had not obtained the necessary planning permission and prior authorization before the start of construction.

"Several times, officers from the Lagos State Building Control Agency have visited this site and the attitude of the contractor has been one of hostility," he said. -he declared.

Salako added that the owner was using his personal security to prevent them from doing their job.

“The developer dropped names every time our agents visited the location; we sealed the site three times and he continued to break the seal,” he added.