by Azeez Adeniyi

The Lagos State Government has approved the sealing of a Lekki-based Church, ‘This Present House’ belonging to popular pastor, Tony Rapu for violating building regulations.

The church, christened ‘The Dome’ is on Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Anifowoshe Abiola, the owners built without title documents and requisite building permit.

Abiola said the state government will not allow its laws to be contravened, which could endanger lives and property of residents.

The commissioner explained that the said church has no Planning Permit to embark on such a massive construction without due process.

He said the church fence was directly under the high-tension wires.

The statement reads: “While government appreciates citizens’ rights to freedom of worship, the law stipulates a minimum of 15meter setback from the high tension wire 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 owners/developers of buildings without planning permit to comply with the state planning laws to avoid sanction.