The gates of Banana Island in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State were shut for entry and exit on Tuesday, causing gridlock on the Lekki-Ajah axis and other parts of Ikoyi. The shutdown has sparked speculation, with some attributing it to the proposed demolition of the Banana Club House, okay.ng reports.
There are conflicting claims about the government agencies responsible for the development. While some attribute it to federal government agencies, others say state government agencies are responsible. A viral broadcast message circulated on Tuesday, stating that the Lagos State Government had shut down Banana Island, disallowing residents and visitors from entering or leaving.
However, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has denied being involved in the shutdown. The agency’s spokesperson, Adu Ademuyiwa, said that the claim that their officials are on the ground disrupting activities in the area is unfounded. He added that the agency has not stopped any residents or visitors from entering their estate on Banana Island.
The shutdown comes after reports that the agency plans to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island. The General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, had stated that structures found violating building codes, including those under high-tension power lines and within restricted shoreline areas, would be identified and subsequently demolished. The agency has carried out similar actions in other parts of the state, including Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri.
