Lagos State Flags 176 Illegal Estates, Issues 21-Day Ultimatum to Developers
The Lagos State Government has declared 176 estates, mainly across Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe, illegal, giving developers only 21 days to submit proof of approval or face sanctions.
The announcement which was made on August 4, 2025, came from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, which flagged these estates for lacking official layout approvals.
These approvals involve essential legal requirements under Lagos law. Developers responsible for estates like Adron Homes (Elerangbe), Aina Gold Estate (Okun-Folu), Diamond Estate (Eputu), Prime Water View Garden (Ikate-Elegushi), and Royal View Estate (Ikota) are among the list published by the ministry
Oluwole Sotire, the Permanent Secretary in the Planning Ministry, said the developments breached the T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda. This agenda is a blueprint that Lagos uses to shape its transformation into a smart, sustainable environment. He described the exclusion of layout approval as a direct threat to orderly urban growth and urged developers to regularize their documentation at the ministry’s Alausa office in Ikeja within 21 days. He stated,
“This exercise is a statutory responsibility of the Ministry to regulate the development of public and private estates in Lagos.We aim to foster a functional and orderly urban environment as captured under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus development agenda.”
This issue in Lagos State is not just about paperwork, but the fact that they endanger public safety and violate planning norms. Many developments lack proper road access, drainage systems, and shared utilities, making them vulnerable during flooding or other emergencies.
The government insists that approving layouts enables proper infrastructure integration, alignment with zoning laws, and sustainable expansion across the state.
Developers were also reminded to register with LASRERA, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority tasked with regulating real estate practice across the state. Failure to comply, the ministry warned, could lead to sanctions, ranging from fines to demolition orders.
In recent years, the government has executed demolitions in high-profile areas like Maryland, Festac, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Oworonshoki due to construction violations, drainage blockage, and substandard building practices.
What Happens to the Estate Owners and Developers?
Estate developers now face a sharply defined deadline. For those who do not submit layout approval documents within 21 days, they risk revocation of estate status, withdrawal of legal recognition. Also, there could be a possible demolition of structures deemed unsafe or non-compliant. For estate owners and buyers, the fear is real. Many residents in these flagged estates were unaware of their unapproved status.
Earlier, the demolition experienced by Peter Obi’s younger brother made the news and there were several reactions. This is a similar situation, and it could result in eviction without compensation, especially if the estates are determined to violate zoning or safety guidelines.
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