The grieving family of the two-storey building that collapsed on May 27, 2025, in the Ota-Ona area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic losses they suffered.

During the collapse, 11 persons were rescued, but sadly, three family members lost their lives: two children and an elderly man.

The family disclosed that over N50 million had already been spent on the project before the unfortunate incident occurred.

The bodies of 16-year-old Maleek, his 13-year-old sister, Ameerah, and their 73-year-old uncle, Bolaji, were recovered from the rubble.

Family members who survived the incident are now appealing to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to reconsider the decision to take over the property.

According to the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2010 — specifically Section 74 (similar to the Reviewed LASBCA Regulations of 2019, Section 25, Sub-section 4) — an investigation must be conducted into the cause of a building collapse before the government can confiscate the land.

During a visit by professionals in the built environment under the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), family members shared their story and pleaded with the governor to release the site to them.

Mr Olayinka Osinowo, speaking on behalf of the family, emphasised the emotional and financial toll the collapse had taken on them. He urged the governor to assist in alleviating their suffering and to return the site to the family.

“The family is dealing with psychological trauma and depression, having lost both loved ones and their investment in the property,” Osinowo said.

Speaking during the visit organised by the BCPG Ikorodu Cell, led by Kazeem Isiaka, the built environment professionals also appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to provide support to the affected families.

Pioneer President of BCPG and former President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Kunle Awobodu, stressed the importance of properly investigating the building collapse and supporting families who lost loved ones.

“Our members have collaborated to ensure that building constructions are monitored from foundation level to avoid collapse. I urge the public to always follow due process before embarking on any construction to avert a recurrence. We’re appealing to the state to please direct attention to the couple who lost two children and other loved ones,” he said.

Joseph Akande, BCPG Lagos State Chairman, called on developers to follow proper procedures and obtain necessary documents, such as authorisation to commence construction, before embarking on any building project.

Akande also said there should be stronger enforcement by government building agencies, including a ban on developers who fail to comply with statutory procedures before starting construction.

Isiaka Kazeem, Coordinator of the BCPG Ikorodu Cell, advised developers to always hire professionals who would carry out construction in line with established guidelines. He also appealed to the Lagos State government to provide assistance to the families affected by the Ikorodu building collapse.