A coalition of human rights defenders, including Femi Falana, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC); Lanre Arogundade; and Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), have voiced serious concerns about the mounting dangers threatening the family of the late human rights legend, Gani Fawehinmi.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Falana shared alarming details about the intimidation the Fawehinmi family is facing from a property developer.
This individual has gone ahead with the construction of a four-storey hotel right next to the protective fence around the front of Fawehinmi’s residence in Ikeja GRA.
Falana stated, “A person, or perhaps a group, either completely disregarding the regulations guiding property development in Lagos or colluding with corrupt officials, has chosen to erect a four-storey hotel right beside the fence shielding the front of Fawehinmi’s home. These builders have acted so recklessly, blatantly ignoring warnings from the family, positioning their structure almost on top of the fence. It’s as if they believe they are above the law or bear some personal grudge against the family, which they feel justifies their reckless and unjust actions.”
READ ALSO: Falana Sues Meta for $5m Over False Health Claims, Privacy Violation
He continued, “Whatever their intentions or their sense of entitlement, our message is clear: this injustice will not, cannot, and must not stand.”
Falana further highlighted the grave risks involved, particularly the potential collapse of the protective fence surrounding Fawehinmi’s residence. In addition, he revealed that a 1,000-litre water tank, perched on top of the building, has fallen into the compound on three separate occasions.
“We are lucky that no one has been injured or killed by these incidents,” Falana noted. “But these repeated occurrences make it painfully clear how dangerously close this structure is to the late Chief’s home. We refuse to wait for a tragedy to strike before acting. It’s why we are speaking up now, before something even worse happens.”
The group is demanding the demolition of the hotel, accusing its construction of violating critical urban development regulations in Lagos, particularly the required three-meter setback between buildings.