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Not many people know that Architect Gbolahan Owodunni Oki voluntarily retired from active public service in Lagos after 26 years. He stepped down from his role as the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Urban Development a few months ago. His career and transformative contributions to urban renewal were celebrated at a send-off ceremony at the Whitestone Event Centre in Oregun, Ikeja.
Before becoming Permanent Secretary, Oki served as the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki’s tenure as General Manager of LASBCA was marked by a reduction in building collapses, a 41% increase in revenue generation, and aggressive enforcement against distressed buildings.
He mandated strict structural due diligence and stage-by-stage monitoring, significantly reducing the number of building collapse incidents in the state.
Under his leadership, the Agency identified and demolished hundreds of non-conforming, illegal, and distressed structures to ensure public safety. He successfully drove the Agency to surpass its revenue generation target by 41%.
He spearheaded the rebranding of the Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation, restoring credibility and public confidence in the certification process. He expanded public enlightenment campaigns and increased the issuance of “Green Stickers” to encourage voluntary compliance with building regulations.
As Permanent Secretary, he championed major urban revitalization projects, including the relocation of Computer Village to Katangua and the regeneration of the Alaba Rago International Market to improve city planning and livability.
He has Zero Tolerance for Illegal Structures: He has continuously ordered the demolition distressed buildings in high-end areas like Banana Island and Ajao Estate, as well as commercial hubs like Alaba International Market, citing safety risks and lack of permits.
Under his oversight, LASBCA has actively enforced bans on overnight sleeping at construction sites to protect workers and mandated that developers obtain formal letters of authorization before building.
The Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, said Oki served with distinction across several ministries and demonstrated strong professionalism throughout his career.
“He traversed several ministries, and we thank him for his service to the Lagos State Government. He was efficient in his duties, and we wish him a peaceful retirement,” Agoro said.
He also noted that Oki played a key role in mentoring younger officers and contributing to institutional growth within the civil service.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbaye Florence, described him as a resilient leader and a mentor, noting that his approach to work strengthened efficiency within the system.
He saw no impossibility in tasks and ensured officers under him worked with efficiency akin to the private sector. The Lagos State Civil Service will miss his contributions,” she said.
The Senior Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Urban Development, Segun Williams, also praised Oki’s service, describing his retirement as a milestone marked by diligence and integrity.
“He is leaving behind shoes that will not be easy to fill,” Williams said.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described him as steadfast and dependable.
“He stood firm, unyielding, and fearless in the face of challenges. He was a pathfinder and a pillar of support to his workers,” he said.
Responding, Oki described his years in service as “interesting” and urged civil servants to remain diligent and committed to doing the right thing.
“As a public servant, I was just trying to do what I know how to do best. I urge others to keep doing the right thing and be diligent. You don’t judge a book by its cover; the heart is what really matters,” he said.
During his career, Oki played a key role in enforcing building standards across the state, ensuring compliance while sanctioning violations.
He joined the Lagos State Civil Service in March 2000 as an architect in the Ministry of Works, rising through the ranks to become Assistant Director at LASBCA in 2015.
He also served in the Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure as well as the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO), where he became the first indigenous Chief Resilience Officer in 2019.
Oki was appointed General Manager of LASBCA in 2021 before his elevation to Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, a position he held until his retirement.
Arch. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki is a distinguished architect, celebrated Lagos State civil servant, and traditional title holder. He served as the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, before officially retiring from public service after 26 years.
In 2021, he became the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), where he was heavily involved in enforcing building standards and monitoring urban development compliance.
He assumed office as the Permanent Secretary for the Office of Urban Development in 2025, championing key government initiatives such as the relocation of Computer Village to Katangua and the regeneration of Alaba Rago.
In August 2019, he was appointed the Chief Resilience Officer of Lagos State, leading efforts to prepare and protect communities against acute shocks and chronic stresses.
He attended Yaba Model Primary School, Surulere (1975–1980) and Ansar-ud-deen Grammar School (starting in 1981).Higher Education: He is a double alumnus of the University of Jos, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Architecture and his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Architecture (majoring in Urban Design, Acoustics, and Landscaping) in 1992.
In early 2026, Arch. Oki was officially installed as the Ogboni Iduntafa of Lagos. This position places him among the prestigious First Class Akarigbere Royal Class Chiefs and Kingmakers in the traditional White Cap Chieftaincy System of Lagos.
His portfolio includes the Isale-Gangan Multi-Storey Residential Development, Platinum Gold Housing Estate Mega-Structure Project (Igbokusu), Black Diamond 15-Storey International Hotel, the multi-level Robot Parking Facility for the Lagos State Government, and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Project Office Complex, among others.
He joined the Lagos State Civil Service in 2000 and has served with distinction across several key agencies, including the Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority (LASURA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Ministry of Works (Office of Works), Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure, and the Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO).
His tenure at LASBCA was marked by visionary leadership, strategic reforms, and measurable improvements that strengthened the Agency’s capacity as a proactive and responsive regulator of Lagos State’s building and environment.
Isaac Abimbade
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