The Ebonyi State Government has sealed a three-star hospitality facility, Golden Synergy Apartments and Suites, over alleged violations of urban development and physical planning regulations in Abakaliki.
The hotel, reportedly owned by the Chairman of Ezza North Local Government Area, Chief Moses Ogodo-Ali, is located at 4 Anikpe Street, off Udensi Road, Abakaliki.
Officials of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Capital City and Urban Development carried out the enforcement action on Friday following findings that the hotel management commenced construction of an additional multi-storey building without obtaining the required statutory approvals.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the Commissioner for Capital City Development, Chief Sunday Elechi Inyima, explained that while approval had earlier been granted for the hotel’s existing four-storey main structure, developers allegedly went ahead to erect another building on the same premises in violation of development control laws.
According to the commissioner, intelligence reports showed that the new structure had already risen to almost four floors despite lacking a valid planning permit and failing to comply with key requirements such as setback regulations and adequate parking space.
“In standard urban planning practice, only about 25 to 30 per cent of a parcel of land is meant to be developed. What we found here is total land coverage, with no provision for parking or auxiliary facilities,” Inyima said.
He described the development as a clear and deliberate breach of state planning laws, stressing that no individual or organisation is permitted to erect or expand structures within the capital city without final approval from the ministry.
As part of the enforcement process, the government sealed the hotel, suspended all construction activities on the unapproved structure, and evacuated guests from the premises to ensure full compliance.
The commissioner disclosed that the hotel management had been given two options: demolish the illegal structure or acquire additional adjoining land to meet the minimum requirements for parking and other essential facilities.
“The facility will remain sealed until all conditions are met. Any attempt to resume operations without compliance will attract stiffer sanctions,” he warned.
Inyima also confirmed that the hotel’s management has been invited for a formal meeting with the ministry, where further actions will be determined based on submitted documents and demonstrated compliance.
The Ebonyi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of physical planning regulations, noting that the move is part of broader efforts to promote order, safety, and sustainable urban development in Abakaliki metropolis.
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