The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide has revealed the plan of the state government to create independent access to Magodo lowland.
The Commissioner said that the decision to facilitate access to the virgin land outside of Magodo GRA was in deference to concerns by the Magodo II Residents Association and a demonstration of the listening ears of the Administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the state.
“Considering the history and dynamics of the Magodo saga, the Lagos State Government will continue to strive to harmonise all valid interests and ensure that law and order is maintained at all times,” he said.
He enjoined all concerned to cooperate with the state government in finding a lasting solution to the matter.
In a related development, the state government has stated that only residential development is permitted in the Ikeja GRA area.
In a statement, Kehinde Osinaike, General Manager of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), disclosed: “It is important to clarify that the law, as reflected by the Revised Ikeja Model City Plan, is clear on the land use zoning of Ikeja GRA as strictly residential. As such, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority is obligated to allow only residential developments in the area.
“This clarification becomes important in view of the baseless claim by a developer that LASPPPA sealed his site, where he was constructing an event centre at Ikeja GRA for personal reasons.
“The Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 as amended and LASPPPA Regulations 2019 are clear on the mandate of the LASPPPA to issue permits to qualified applicants and ensure the sanctity of the Master/ Model City Plans of Lagos State, which the government invested heavily on to ensure seamless development of the state for the benefit of all.
“It is noteworthy that, in line with the liveable, organised and orderly built environment vision of Lagos State, the State does not joke with the application of its planning laws, no matter whose horse is gored. It is only people who have refused to pay heed to warnings that usually fall victim to sealing, demolition, and other severe punishments.
“I strongly believe that our nation will know true development when the elites begin to seek the common good and weigh individual interest against the public interest. It profits society for us to obey the law, build rights, and not resort to needless blame games or blackmail.
“To forbid the bastardisation of the Revised Ikeja Model City Plans, I strongly advise developers who are interested in event centres and other forms of commercial developments in Ikeja GRA to look for other sites elsewhere, where such will be permissible.
“Property owners and developers are hereby enjoined to respect the Lagos State Government’s zero tolerance for illegal developments by taking advantage of the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development free Planning Information service to guide in proper site selection.”
