Monday, September 29, 2025 - The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Rilwan Akiolu, and other stakeholders in the built environment have called for mutual respect and cooperation between government enforcement officers and members of the public.
Speaking at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Engagement on Physical
Planning, themed ‘Planning Permit: The Rebirth’, organised by the Lagos State
Physical Planning Permit Authority recently, the Governor emphasised that
harassment or assault of enforcement officials on duty was counterproductive
and detrimental to the orderly growth of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff,
Sam Egube, maintained that physical planning officers were carrying out
statutory responsibilities in line with approved regulations and therefore
deserve due courtesy and cooperation.
“Residents are warned against verbal or physical attacks on
officials; aggrieved members of the public should channel complaints through
established government platforms. Civility, dialogue, and adherence to due
process are the hallmarks of a functional society that seeks sustainable
development,” he said.
The Governor further assured that the engagement reflected
the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection
of both residents and officials in building a more resilient, well-planned
Lagos.
In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service,
Olabode Agoro, noted that the administration was working tirelessly to bequeath
a better Lagos to future generations.
“Residents should uphold law and order and treat government
officials with the respect they deserve.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban
Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, explained that the forum was a follow-up to
the 2024 Physical Planning Summit held at Eko Hotels and Suites, where
stakeholders underscored the importance of public sensitisation and engagement
on physical planning.
He assured, “Despite the frequent challenges faced by
LASPPPA officials during enforcement, the government would not relent in
ensuring that no physical development takes place in the state without
necessary approvals.”
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS
and Planning Matters, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, represented by the Permanent
Secretary for Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, commended the General Manager of
LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, and his team for their efforts.
He, however, lamented the poor attitude of some property owners and
professionals toward planning laws, calling for a change in behaviour.
“Built professionals must discourage lawlessness by advising property
owners appropriately and respecting their own professional boundaries. The
public should not view demolitions of illegal structures emotionally but rather
as actions taken in the collective interest of society.”
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Oba of Lagos, the Bajulaiye
of Lagos, Ayodele Oyekan, appealed for public support of the government’s
planning regulations.
He stressed that harassment of officers is unjust, considering they act
strictly in line with the law.
He encouraged aggrieved property owners to use complaint mechanisms or
seek redress through the Lagos State House of Assembly instead of resorting to
self-help.
Also speaking, a former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban
Development, Toyin Ayinde, urged the government to streamline the operations of
multiple agencies dealing with property owners by creating a one-stop centre
for physical development matters.
0 Comments