The Lagos State Government, on October 12, 2025, demolished the popular luxury car showroom of auto influencer Olaoluwa Osunkoya, widely known as ‘Ola of Lagos’, in the Lekki area of the city.
The demolition of the showroom, known as OOL Autos, was reportedly part of the state government’s intensified 2025 enforcement campaign targeting illegal structures and safety violations across Lagos.
- The structure was built directly underneath a 33kV high-tension power line. This constitutes a serious violation of electrical safety standards, which mandate a clearance (Right of Way) of at least 30 to 50 meters to prevent catastrophic risks like electrocution, fire outbreaks, and infrastructural damage.
- The enforcement drive by agencies like the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources is aligned with the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law. The government had previously issued multiple warnings and seven-day ultimatums to property owners encroaching on power line corridors, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding lives and property.
Reactions
The demolition of the showroom belonging to the influential car dealer immediately triggered widespread reaction online:
- Social Media Speculation: News of the demolition, initially shared via a viral TikTok video by another car dealer, prompted immediate speculation.
- While the Lagos government had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of reporting, social media users widely attributed the action to the dangerous proximity of the building to the high-tension cables, with one user noting, “The first time I saw this structure, my eyes got hold of the high tension.”
- In response to the loss of his business structure, Olaoluwa Osunkoya adopted an optimistic stance, publicly stating his intention to relocate to a better and safer site. This positive outlook served to manage public opinion following the severe operational setback.
- The incident fueled a broader public debate about the rule of law in Nigeria, with some criticizing the lack of a proper removal or relocation notice, while others maintained that no amount of wealth or influence should allow individuals to circumvent safety and planning regulations.
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