Lagos Govt Seals Hotel After residents mark public disorders

State Ministry official Lagos physical planning and urban development on Monday sealed a hotel that is being built in Musari Apena Street in the Mafoluku area in Oshodi, following complaints by residents for alleged violations of zoning and public disorders.

The action of enforcement came a few days after residents who care about submitting a formal petition to the commissioner for physical planning and urban development, submitting an objection to what they described as a conversion that violates the law of housing property into commercial hospitality facilities.

In the petition, residents accuse that ongoing development has caused several violations, including violations of zoning regulations, unregulated construction activities, persistent vote pollution, poor waste management, and increasing traffic congestion in the area.

A copy of the petition reads: “We attract your attention to hotel development activities that violate the law that causes detrimental damage to the lives of the population.

“This development carelessly violates zoning regulations and land use designed to protect our community, causing severe threats to safety, environment, and overall welfare.

“Hotel operations have caused significant disturbances, including endless vote pollution, parking problems, and waste management problems. Developers do not show commitment to reduce this problem, damage urban laws and regulations and strengthen violations in the future.”

Responding to increased public protests, state officials conducted site inspections and ordered temporary closure of facilities waiting for further investigation.

However, the owner of the property, Mr. Adetunji Soboyede, who operates a business with the name of the hotel and lounge who is pregnant, rejects the accusation, insisting that its establishment complies with regulatory standards.

“I have obtained the approval needed for commercial use. The use of this space has officially changed from housing to commercial,” Sooyede said.

He noted that this project was still in the early stages, after starting about a month ago, and assured that the steps apply to limit the potential for disorders to the environment.

“We have installed noise -resistant doors, paying all the costs needed, and I have spent more than ₦ 39 million for this project. As a business owner, I am committed to following the law and contributing to the community,” he added, highlighting that the hotel has given work to more than 30 people.