The Lagos State Government has issued a two-month ultimatum to property owners in the Oko-Cole area of Oworonshoki to obtain valid building approvals or face possible demolition of their structures.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Mr Gbolahan Oki, made this known on Monday, stating that the affected buildings are located on land previously acquired by the state for a housing development project.

Oki explained that many of the property owners bought the land from unauthorised individuals, popularly referred to as omo onile, without proper verification of ownership. He stressed that while the state government is not disposed to demolitions, it will not tolerate illegal occupation of government-owned land.

According to him, compensation has already been paid to original landowners who presented authentic and verifiable documents.

He added that although the existing structures meet basic construction standards, owners are required to regularise their building approvals within the stipulated timeframe to avoid sanctions.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has therefore directed the affected landlords to liaise with the Ministries of Physical Planning and Waterfronts to validate their documents and ensure full compliance with statutory regulations.

The directive comes amid ongoing urban renewal exercises in Oworonshoki, which have sparked protests by some residents since September.