After days of public criticism over the demolition of the car showroom belonging to popular auto dealer and influencer, Waris Olayinka Akinwande, widely known as Ola of Lagos, the Lekki Automobile Dealers Union yesterday threw its weight behind the Lagos State Government, describing the exercise as lawful and necessary.
The Nigerian influencer had on Saturday, October 11, 2025, confirmed the demolition of his car showroom in Lekki. A viral video circulating online captured the moment the facility was pulled down, just months after its grand opening.
In a statement, the automobile dealers’ association said: “To the general public, the Lekki Automobile Dealers Union wishes to address the ongoing demolition exercise being carried out by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources within the Lekki-Ajah axis. We would like to state clearly that this is a government-led initiative and an important step towards improving environmental safety and infrastructure management within our community and state.”
The union noted that, as stakeholders, members were duly notified in advance and given the grace period and necessary support to move their vehicles from the affected lots.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and their teams for their understanding, communication, and coordination throughout this process. Their thoughtful engagement with stakeholders has ensured a smooth and respectful exercise.
“We recognise that this exercise is a vital and necessary measure aimed at safeguarding lives and property by ensuring that drainage channels are properly managed to prevent flooding and that the safety risks posed by high-tension electric cables are effectively mitigated.
“As responsible citizens and partners in progress, we remain committed to supporting the efforts of the Lagos State Government towards creating a safer, cleaner, and better-organised environment for all.”
We therefore categorically dissociate ourselves from any malicious and misinformed narratives about the ongoing exercise circulating on some social media platforms.
“To our valued customers, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this period,” the statement added. The union further stated that while there might be temporary disruptions in service delivery, it was working diligently to restore operations as soon as possible, reaffirming its commitment to quality service and customer trust.
Meanwhile, Nigerian company Skyewise Group has clarified reports alleging that the luxury car showroom recently demolished along the Lekki-Epe Expressway belonged to the influencer.
The clarification followed widespread social media claims suggesting that the demolished facility, brought down by the Lagos State Government, was owned by Ola of Lagos, who is known for showcasing luxury vehicles online.
Videos of the demolition, showing heavy machinery flattening car display stands along the busy Lekki corridor, a hub for automobile dealerships, had sparked outrage among Nigerians.
In a statement released on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of Skyewise Group, Mr Elvis Abuyere, described the demolition of the firm’s office as “unfortunate and saddening.” He explained that the demolition was part of the Lagos State government’s effort to create access routes for a new waterway development project.
“This unfortunate incident affected several car lots along the Lekki Expressway, starting from Phase 1, where the Skyewise Group office was located,” he said.
Abuyere clarified that the demolished property was solely owned by Skyewise Group, adding that only a section of the premises had been leased to Ola of Lagos for car hire operations and luxury vehicle displays.
“All necessary building approvals, operational permits, dealership licences, and environmental levies for the property were duly obtained from the Lagos State Government,” he stated. He added that the company would soon release copies of the relevant documents and had begun plans to rebuild and establish a larger and improved facility in Lagos.
Abuyere thanked Nigerians for their support during the incident and expressed confidence that the company would “emerge stronger and better in the near future.”
