In a shocking turn of events, the prestigious Banana Island estate in Ikoyi, Lagos, was completely sealed off on Tuesday, triggering widespread traffic gridlock across the Lekki-Ajah and Ikoyi corridors.
The sudden lockdown left residents and visitors stranded for hours, sparking outrage and speculation over an alleged government-backed demolition exercise.
Viral videos showed long lines of vehicles halted at the estate gates as men stood guard, preventing entry and exit. Unverified reports suggest the move may be linked to the proposed demolition of the Banana Island Club House and other “illegal structures” within the ultra-elite neighborhood.
However, a blame game between federal and state agencies has since erupted. While some sources accused federal authorities of orchestrating the clampdown, others pointed fingers at the Lagos State Government, particularly the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). The agency, however, flatly denied any involvement.
“No, our men are not there. We did not shut down Banana Island,” said LABSCA’s spokesperson, Adu Ademuyiwa. “When we are ready to demolish any illegal buildings, we will make a public announcement.”
But the denial has done little to calm furious residents, many of whom took to social media to blast what they describe as another show of high-handed governance and poor communication.
“Because government officials are in Banana Island, nobody can go in or out? Just like that? They’ve created a traffic nightmare all over Lekki and Ikoyi!” one X user fumed.
This incident comes amid renewed government threats to demolish properties built in violation of urban planning laws, including structures under high-tension lines and on restricted shoreline zones. While the Lagos government claims such measures are necessary to uphold safety standards, critics argue that Banana Island is being selectively targeted to make a high-profile statement.
With the estate still on partial lockdown and no agency officially claiming responsibility, confusion and controversy continue to swirl around Nigeria’s most exclusive address.
