A very popular church in a Lagos community has been sealed by the State Government causing some stir in the area.
Pastor Tony Rapu
The Lagos State Government has approved the sealing of This Present House, a popular church in Lekki owned by Pastor Tony Rapu.
The church, known as ‘The Dome’ is on Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
According to a statement, the Lagos Government explained that the owners of the church contravened the Lagos State Regional and Urban Planning Law 2010, by building without title documents and requisite building permit.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Anifowoshe Abiola also said in the statement that government will not sit back and watch any infringement on lives and property of residents.
“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 reads.
The statement added that the government had given a 30-day ultimatum to owners/developers of buildings without planning permit to comply with the state planning laws to avoid sanction.