By Dayo Adeniji
A coalition of friends and associates of the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), has called for the immediate demolition of a four-storey hotel allegedly constructed in violation of Lagos State building regulations, posing a threat to the safety of his family. The demand was made during a protest and press conference held at Fawehinmi’s residence in Ikeja GRA on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The group, comprising senior advocates and activists, accused the developers of erecting the building dangerously close to Fawehinmi’s fence, ignoring repeated warnings. They revealed that a 1,000-litre water tank from the structure had collapsed three times into the late lawyer’s compound, narrowly avoiding fatalities.
Femi Falana (SAN), speaking on behalf of the coalition, stated, “This injustice should not, cannot, and must not be allowed to stand. The building violates Lagos State urban development laws, particularly the mandatory three-meter setback requirement. It also poses a security risk, as its height could enable criminal access to the family’s home.”
The coalition emphasized that Fawehinmi, who died in 2009 after years of persecution by military regimes, deserved respect in death.
“After his sacrifices for democracy, the least we expect is that his family lives in peace, not under the threat of collapsing structures,” Falana added.
Other signatories, including Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN) and Richard Akinnola, warned that further inaction could lead to tragedy. “We will not wait for a fatal incident before acting,” Olumide-Fusika said.
The group vowed to escalate protests until the building is demolished, urging the Lagos State government to enforce its regulations. “If this building remains, it will be a slap on the legacy of a man who fought for justice all his life,” Falana concluded.
The event marked what the coalition described as the beginning of sustained advocacy to protect Fawehinmi’s family and uphold the rule of law he championed.
