Access to Banana Island, a highbrow residential estate in the Ikoyi area of Lagos, was abruptly restricted on Tuesday, sparking traffic gridlock across parts of Lekki and Ikoyi.
The gates to the estate were reportedly locked, leaving residents and visitors stranded, with vehicular queues stretching into neighbouring areas. Eyewitness footage circulating online showed security personnel manning the closed gates as speculation swirled around the motive for the lockdown.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the incident may be linked to a planned demolition exercise targeting illegal structures within the estate, particularly the Banana Club House. However, conflicting information emerged regarding which government body initiated the action.
While some sources pointed fingers at federal agencies, others claimed the move was orchestrated by state authorities. The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), one of the agencies speculated to be involved, denied any involvement.
“It is not true. Our men are not there, and we have not restricted access to Banana Island,” said LASBCA spokesperson Adu Ademuyiwa. “When the time comes to demolish any illegal structures, the public will be duly informed.”
A viral broadcast message had earlier claimed a Lagos government agency had “shut down Banana Island, disallowing residents and visitors from entering or leaving.” This triggered outrage online, with residents criticising what they described as an uncoordinated disruption.
One X user with the handle #Nothingispromised wrote, “Because government officials are in Banana Island, no one can go in or out? The resulting traffic is affecting both Lekki and parts of Ikoyi.”
LASBCA’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, recently reiterated the state’s commitment to urban planning enforcement, warning that illegal structures, especially those built under high-tension power lines or along shorelines, would be identified and demolished. He cited past actions in areas like Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri.
As of press time, normalcy was yet to return to Banana Island, and clarity on the agency responsible for Tuesday’s action remained elusive.
