Tension gripped residents and visitors of Banana Island in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday as the estate gates were suddenly shut, blocking all entry and exit.
The unexpected lockdown caused serious traffic on the Lekki-Ajah expressway and parts of Ikoyi, leaving many stranded and confused.
Speculations spread fast, with many claiming the closure was linked to plans by the Lagos government to demolish the popular Banana Club House, allegedly built without proper approvals.
In a viral video, long lines of vehicles were seen stuck at the estate gates, while some men stood guard, preventing access.
A broadcast message that circulated on Tuesday alleged that a Lagos State agency had shut down the estate completely. One frustrated X user, @Nothingispromised, wrote: “So because government officials dey Banana Island, no car fit go in or out of the estate until they are gone? They’ve created another crazy traffic that will affect Lekki and part of Ikoyi.”
Banana Island: However, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) denied involvement. Its spokesperson, Adu Ademuyiwa, stated clearly that “our men are not there” and no such order came from their office. He added that whenever demolition is scheduled, the public will be properly informed.
The confusion comes amid the government’s renewed push to remove illegal structures across Lagos. LABSCA boss, Gbolahan Oki, had earlier warned that any buildings violating planning laws — especially those under high-tension lines or built on restricted shoreline zones — will be pulled down, including some in Banana Island.
For now, no official explanation has been confirmed for the shutdown, leaving residents in limbo as traffic chaos continues.