Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, following the collapse of the 21-storey building which collapsed in Ikoyi area of Lagos State on Monday.
So far, 17 people have been confirmed dead and 9 rescued alive and taken to the hospital.
News of the indefinite suspension of Oki, an architect, was announced on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement he signed.
“The governor, as a first step, has directed that the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA), Mr. Gbolahan Oki, an architect, be suspended from work immediately. The suspension is indefinite,” he announced.
The commissioner said that more equipment and personnel had been deployed in the site to save more lives.
The governor was quoted as thanking all first responders and those who had joined the rescue efforts, including construction giants Julius Berger, Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Omotoso said a help desk would be set up at the site for people seeking information about their relations who might have been involved in the incident.
“The media are hereby notified that the government will be releasing information whenever the need arises to avoid any sensational reporting of the unfortunate incident,” said Omotoso.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, was today at the site to encourage rescuers and comfort relations of those trapped in the rubble.
Hamzat left the site for the Lagos Island General Hospital to see the survivors.
The government will embark on further foundation and borehole acidic level tests to ascertain the impact on the collapsed building.
These tests, particularly the borehole acidic level, was said to be important for the entire Gerrard Road and adjoining areas.
“We wish to state that there will be no cover-up in the search for the truth in this incident. If anybody is found to have been indicted, he or she will face the law.
“It is important to restate that all developers and property owners are required to adhere strictly to all Building Codes and Planning Regulations to ensure the safety of lives and property. Those who ignore such regulations, breaking seals and defying enforcement, will surely be prosecuted,” Omotoso said.
