Ola of Lagos Loses His Showroom to Demolition Drama

Social media is buzzing again, and this time it’s not about luxury rides, it’s about rubble. Popular CNG engineer and influencer, Ola of Lagos, woke up to find his newly launched car showroom reduced to debris after officials reportedly carried out a demolition ordered by the Lagos State Government.

According to reports, the structure violated the LSURPD 2010 Sec. 27(1), NEMSA Act 2015 Sec. 6(1)b, and NESIS Act 2015, which strictly prohibit building too close to high-tension power lines. For context, Nigeria’s safety codes demand a 50-meter clearance from 330kV lines, 30 meters from 132kV lines, and 11 meters from smaller power lines. Ola’s property allegedly fell within this danger zone, a major red flag.

Though Lagos State and NEMSA have yet to issue official statements, sources claim the demolition was executed by LASBCA and NEMSA, who have also been clearing other illegal structures, including 17 houses built along the Ikota River alignment in Lekki.

For Ola, the loss hits deep. His CNG showroom, opened in January, symbolized a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. Now, not only has he lost millions in investment, but questions about his building permits may also attract fresh penalties.

Online, reactions are split. Some Nigerians see it as karma for his government-aligned CNG campaign earlier this year, while others sympathize with his ordeal. It’s worth noting that just last November, Ola joined a delegation to India with stars like 2Baba and Basketmouth to study CNG innovations.

Now, months later, he’s learning a different kind of lesson, one about Lagos land laws the hard way. Still, Ola says he’s taking it in stride and plans to rebuild. Because in Lagos, resilience might just be the strongest foundation of all.