On Tuesday, Banana Island, an upscale estate in Ikoyi, Lagos State, was abruptly sealed off, barring all entry and exit. The closure triggered severe traffic congestion along the Lekki-Ajah axis and parts of Ikoyi, leaving vehicles stranded in long queues, as captured in a widely shared video. Speculation points to the impending demolition of the Banana Club House as the cause, though no official confirmation has surfaced.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the responsible government bodies. Some sources attribute the lockdown to federal agencies, while others blame Lagos State authorities. A viral broadcast message claimed, “Lagos State Govt agency has just shut down Banana Island disallowing residents and visitors from entering or leaving.” This was echoed on X by user #Nothingispromised, who criticized the disruption, stating, “Because government officials dey Banana Island, no car fit go in or out… creating another cr*zy traffic affecting Lekki and Ikoyi.”
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) swiftly denied involvement. Spokesperson Adu Ademuyiwa dismissed the allegations, asserting, “It is not true. Our men are not there, and we have not restricted access to the estate.” He emphasized that any demolition of illegal structures would be publicly announced in advance.
However, LASBCA’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, recently reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws. At a stakeholders’ meeting on Banana Island, Oki declared that buildings violating codes such as those under high-tension lines or in restricted shoreline zones would be identified and demolished. Similar operations have already occurred in Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri.
As of now, the exact reason for the gate closure remains unclear, with contradictory claims fueling confusion. The PUNCH previously reported the government’s resolve to tackle illegal constructions on Banana Island, prioritizing public safety and regulatory compliance. Until official statements clarify the situation, residents and commuters brace for ongoing disruption.
