A coalition of legal luminaries, human rights advocates, and associates of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) has demanded the immediate demolition of a building constructed next to Fawehinmi’s residence in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
During a protest and press conference on Friday—shortly after Fawehinmi’s 87th posthumous birthday on April 22—the group stated that the building threatens the safety, privacy, and legacy of the Fawehinmi family.
The alleged that the building violates Lagos State urban planning laws, particularly the required three-metre setback between buildings, and was built almost directly against the Fawehinmi property’s boundary wall despite family objections.
They noted that the family has had to endure damage to their properties due to debris from the construction of the building falling into their compound.
“This gathering is to demand justice for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and his family,” said the coalition in a statement signed by prominent human rights lawyers and activists, including Femi Falana (SAN), Clement (SAN), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), Adindu Ugwuzor, Richard Akinnola, Edetaen Ojo, Bayo Alabidun, and Lanre Arogundade.
Chief Fawehinmi, who passed away in 2009 at 71, was a relentless advocate for justice, democracy, and human rights, enduring multiple detentions under military regimes. The coalition emphasized that his sacrifices must not be undermined by reckless property development.
“The developers ignored warnings and built their structure practically on Chief Gani’s fence,” the coalition stated. “This act of recklessness suggests they believe they are above the law or harbor a grudge against the Fawehinmi family.”
The coalition highlighted significant security risks, noting that the building’s height and proximity could enable surveillance or provide access for criminal activities. They also reported that a 1000-litre water tank on the hotel has collapsed three times into the Fawehinmi compound, narrowly avoiding fatalities.
“These incidents demonstrate the dangerous proximity of this structure to Chief Gani’s home and the clear threat to his family’s safety,” the coalition said. “We are acting now to prevent a catastrophe.”
The coalition’s demands include the immediate demolition of the building for violating urban planning regulations, an investigation into potential collusion between developers and government officials, and enhanced security measures for the Fawehinmi property.
“This is about more than a building—it’s about protecting a legacy, upholding justice, and honoring a man who sacrificed everything for others’ rights,” the coalition concluded. “This injustice cannot stand.”