Government of Lagos State seals off Tony Rapu’s church

The Lagos State Government has approved the sealing of a church based in Lekki lagos state. christened ‘The Dome’ in Lekki Phase 1, for violating building rules and regulations. The church which is headed by a well known pastor, by the name Dr. Tony Rapu. According to a statement by  Anifowoshe Abiola, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, The owners of the church contravened the 2010 Lagos State Regional and Urban Planning Law by building without building permits and necessary title documents. 

The commissioner stated that the church has never been issued Planning permit to construct the building adding that the church fence was in the right of way of Freedom Road (which is currently under construction) and also directly under the high-tension wires which is dangerous .

Below is the statement reads in part:

“While government appreciates citizens’ rights to freedom of worship, the law stipulates a minimum of 15 meter setback from anywhere the high tension wire was connected above to the property line. This church neglected and has refused to comply with the Statutory Notice served, as such the State Government must protect its citizens in order to mitigate against avoidable disasters.”

The statement further said that the government has given a 30-day ultimatum to all owners/developers of buildings without planning permit to comply with the state planning laws to avoid sanction.

It emphasized the government’s position against illegal development of buildings and warned owners against building without planning permit.