Tension in Lagos as Banana Island Gates Shut Amid Demolition Speculations, Sparking Major Gridlock

Banana Island, one of Nigeria’s most exclusive neighborhoods located in the Ikoyi area of Lagos, was thrown into confusion on Tuesday after the estate gates were reportedly shut, halting both entry and exit.

The sudden lockdown, which caused massive gridlock across the Lekki-Ajah corridor and parts of Ikoyi, has sparked widespread speculation and concern, particularly over a proposed demolition within the estate.

In a viral video circulated online, long queues of vehicles were seen stuck within the estate while several men stood guard at the entrance, denying access to both residents and visitors. The video has since stirred debate on social media, with many questioning the rationale behind the closure.

A widely circulated broadcast message read: “Lagos State Govt agency has just shut down Banana Island — disallowing residents and visitors from entering or leaving.”

Another post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @Nothingispromised added fuel to the fire, saying:
“We love suffering in this country. So because government officials dey Banana Island, no car fit go in or out of the estate until they are gone? They have successfully created another crazy traffic that will affect Lekki and part of Ikoyi.”

However, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has denied involvement in the lockdown. In a reaction to inquiries, LASBCA spokesperson Adu Ademuyiwa said the agency’s personnel were not on site and had issued no orders to restrict access to the estate.

“It is not true. Our men are not there. And we have not stopped any residents or visitors from entering their estate on Banana Island,” Ademuyiwa stated. “When the time for the demolition of illegal buildings in the area would be done, we will communicate it appropriately to the public.”

The confusion comes on the heels of an earlier announcement by LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, who disclosed that demolition exercises targeting illegal structures on Banana Island would soon commence. Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Oki emphasized the government’s determination to enforce urban planning laws and protect public safety.

He confirmed that structures violating Lagos building codes—including those under high-tension power lines and within shoreline buffer zones—would be identified and demolished, in line with similar actions previously carried out in areas like Abule Egba, Iyana Isheri, and Iya Niba.

As of the time of filing this report, there remains uncertainty over which agency is responsible for Tuesday’s disruption, with conflicting reports attributing the action to both state and federal authorities.

Residents are now urging the government to provide clarity and ensure that necessary operations—especially demolitions—are carried out with minimal disruption to public movement and safety.