Edo State Government has announced its plans to remove shopping malls, hotels, and other commercial buildings erected without appropriate approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities.
Gatekeepers News reports that Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq., made this known through a statement.
He said the exercise is aimed at ensuring order and sanitizing the built environment space, in line with the extant laws and guidelines in the state for the benefit of the generality of Edo people.
The statement reads: “The Edo State Government hereby informs the general public and property developers in particular, that government is intensifying the removal of shopping malls, hotels and other commercial buildings erected without appropriate approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities.
“The exercise is aimed at ensuring order and sanitizing the built environment space, in line with the extant laws and guidelines in the state for the benefit of the generality of Edo people.
“In essence, all buildings and structures planned, being developed or completed in different parts of the state, without approvals, are to be discontinued and (or) removed. The same applies to such structures being embarked upon in unapproved locations across the state.”
“The state government reiterates its commitment to ensuring the protection of lives and property and promotion of orderly development of the built environment for the benefit of the good people of the state,” Ogie added.
In reaction to the demolition, Edo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has tackled the State Government over an action it deemed “illegal.”
The party in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Col. David Imuse (retd.), condemned the demolition of one property at 13, Aideyan Street, on the Ihama axis, and another housing over 60 stores, which was undergoing construction at 90, Akenzua Road, both in Benin City.
APC said, “It is distressing that the Obaseki government is celebrating these demolitions like a rampaging occupation force. Col. Imuse said the government did not follow due process, and there is no evidence that the owners were served notice of infringement or intention to demolish.
“He said further that such actions by government was an illegality, and amounts to willful and wanton destruction amidst excruciating unemployment rate, decayed infrastructure, a worsening governance system, and unprecedented poverty in our state.”
