Ola Akinwunmi
A coalition of legal icons, human rights advocates, and close associates of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, has staged a protest and press conference in Lagos, demanding the swift demolition of a four-storey hotel built dangerously close to his Ikeja GRA residence.
The protest, held shortly after Fawehinmi’s posthumous 87th birthday on April 22, has raised alarms about the structure’s legality, its noncompliance with urban planning regulations, and the potential risk it poses to the Fawehinmi family’s safety and privacy.
The coalition, which includes notable human rights lawyers such as Femi Falana, SAN; Clement, SAN; Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN; alongside activists Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Edetaen Ojo, Bayo Alabidun, and Lanre Arogundade, issued a joint statement emphasizing that the structure stands as a direct challenge to both justice and the legacy of a man famed for his lifelong commitment to human rights and democracy.
“The purpose of this gathering is to demand justice for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the great family he left behind,” the coalition declared, warning that the building not only violates Lagos State’s urban development statutes but also poses a grave risk to a household that once stood as a bulwark of resistance against military oppression and government abuses.
According to the protesters, the hotel—a so-called apartment building—was erected with blatant disregard for the three-metre setback requirement mandated by Lagos state law. The developers allegedly ignored multiple warnings from the Fawehinmi family, constructing the edifice alarmingly close to the property’s boundary wall.
The coalition’s argument extends beyond regulatory noncompliance. They claim that the building’s proximity to Fawehinmi’s residence compromises the security of the home and could facilitate unauthorized surveillance or even unauthorized access.
Among the cited hazards is the dangerous location of a 1000-litre water tank placed atop the structure—a feature that has reportedly collapsed on three separate occasions, at one point even impacting the integrity of the family’s compound fence.“Our stance is that this injustice should not, cannot and must not be allowed to stand,” the group asserted. “It is possible that the builders believe they are above the law—or even that they harbor a grudge against Chief Gani and his family—but the protection of his legacy and the safety of his family is paramount.”
The coalition has formally demanded the immediate demolition of the building, asserting that its existence not only violates state urban planning laws but also endangers lives. They are calling for an independent investigation to explore any possible collusion between the property developers and government officials who may have facilitated the building’s controversial approval process.
Advocates stressed that this protest is not merely about stopping a building project; it is a stand for justice and the preservation of a legacy that championed the rights of the oppressed. Highlighting Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s sacrifices—his numerous detentions and personal hardships in the fight for democracy and human rights—the protesters underlined that any act undermining his family’s security would be a direct affront to his lifelong struggle.
“This is not just about a building. It is about protecting a legacy, preserving justice, and honouring the memory of a man who gave everything for the rights of others,” they concluded.
The controversy surrounding the hotel near Fawehinmi’s former residence continues to unfold, with legal experts and rights advocates closely monitoring developments. For now, the coalition’s demands for the building’s demolition and a thorough investigation into its approval process remain at the forefront of Lagos’ urban development debate, with the community watching closely to see if justice will indeed be done.
