LASG Debunks Allegations Of Condoning Planning Infractions In Osborne Foreshore

The Lagos State Government has refuted the allegation condoning the violation of Physical Planning laws by some developers in Osborne Foreshore Phase II and Peace Valley Estate, Magodo.
The government said that contrary to insinuations, the residents of Osborne Foreshore Phase II had influenced the increase in height of structures in the area.

The Lagos State Government has refuted the allegation contained in a viral post by one Yacoob Abiodun, who claimed to be an Urban Planner/Planning Advocate, alleging that the government is tacitly condoning the violation of Physical Planning laws by some developers in Osborne Foreshore Phase II and Peace Valley Estate, Magodo.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, in a statement on Monday, debunked the insinuation, stressing that the claim by Yacoob Abiodun that residents of Osborne Foreshore Phase II and Peace Valley Zone, Magodo, were crying foul over the illegal activities of some developers is totally untrue and fabricated.

While expressing his displeasure at the twist of facts by the writer, the Physical Planning Commissioner said that it became necessary to correct the misinformation peddled in the social media report in order to disabuse the minds of Lagosians by setting the records straight.

Salako retorted that contrary to insinuations, the residents of Osborne Foreshore Phase II had influenced the increase in height of structures in the area from the original four or five to 10 floors, while Phase I still remained a maximum of five floors.

He explained that a review of the Approval Order for Osborne Foreshore was precipitated by the continuous agitation of the residents, as original allottees had brought about an increase in the height of buildings and density of the Estate while the government came in to ensure a proper review for the benefit of all concerned.

Osborne Foreshore Estate

Dismissing the allegation of non-involvement in the review, he stated that the ongoing review process, which was borne out of several consultations and engagements with the residents’ association, was in line with the extant regulations guiding development planning in the State.

The Commissioner maintained that the review could not have been more inclusive, having met and discussed with residents of the Estate over 10 times before the Ministry’s encouraged the residents association to engage a consultant, explaining further that Messrs. MOA Planners prepared a revised plan along with the review sent by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

According to Salako, the Revised Plan will still be subjected to stakeholders’ engagement before final approval.