Animashaun Family Seeks LASBCA Assessment After Lagos Island Fire

The Sunmonu Animashaun family has commiserated with residents, traders and businesses affected by the devastating fire that swept through parts of Lagos Island in December, and has called on the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to conduct a structural assessment of affected properties.

The family made the appeal in a statement on Sunday jointly signed by Mr Rafiu Jawando, Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the Secretary of the Board, Otunba Hakeem Oladipo Animashaun.

The statement recalled that the fire, which began on 24 December, 2025 at Shitta-Bey Court — also known as Great Nigeria House — spread rapidly to the Animashaun family compound (Agbole Animashaun) and adjoining structures.

In its intensity, the blaze also crossed the road and razed the historic Shitta-Bey Mosque.

The family said five buildings belonging to different branches of the Animashaun lineage were affected.

It added that firefighters were compelled to demolish part of the family house to prevent further spread of the inferno and provide ventilation, a development that significantly weakened the structure.

According to the statement, the integrity of the building has now been compromised, making continued occupation unsafe.

The family therefore urged LASBCA to undertake a formal assessment to determine the extent of damage and the next line of action.

The historic Animashaun Mosque, reputed to be the first mosque where Juma’at prayers were held in Lagos, was also partially affected.

Already in poor condition prior to the incident, the family said the mosque could no longer guarantee the safety of worshippers.

It disclosed that the mosque management committee has been directed to suspend all religious and commercial activities within and around the premises pending an integrity test.

“The Sunmonu Animashaun Family sympathises with all residents, business concerns, traders and everyone who uses the affected buildings,” the statement read.

“We pray that Almighty Allah turns this loss into gain and replenishes the pockets of all those directly or indirectly affected. We also mourn those reported to have lost their lives in the incident. May Almighty Allah grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”