Outrage in Ikeja: Gani Fawehinmi’s Family Decries Invasion of Privacy by Illegal Building

By

Aisha Bello

The family of the late legal icon and human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, has raised an alarm over a newly constructed multi-storey building, alleged to be operating as a hotel or apartment complex, which they say poses a serious security and privacy threat to their home in GRA, Ikeja.

Located at 9 Ademola Close, off Fani-Kayode Street, the Fawehinmi family home now shares a fence with the towering structure, which reportedly lacks legal development approval and flouts essential urban planning requirements such as setbacks and privacy buffers.

Describing the building as “literally resting on their fence,” the late Chief’s widow,Ganiat  expressed deep concern over the infringement, calling on Lagos State authorities to urgently intervene. The issue came to a head on Good Friday, when five close associates of the late Gani visited the family and were shown the extent of the intrusion.

“This isn’t just about zoning laws — it’s about security, safety, and respect for the legacy of a national figure,” said one associate who spoke under anonymity. “That such a structure could rise so boldly in GRA, without approvals, is shocking.”

The family is appealing to the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, as well as the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to take immediate action to address the situation.

As the city continues to battle issues of unregulated development, this case could become a litmus test for Lagos authorities on their resolve to uphold planning laws — even in highbrow neighborhoods