Bogobiri Cultural Hub Fire Contained: Lagos Fire Service to the Rescue

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service successfully contained a fire at the renowned Bogobiri House, a cultural and artistic hub located at 9 Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

In a statement released by the agency’s director, Margaret Adeseye, on Saturday via X (formerly Twitter), she confirmed that the fire broke out at approximately 8:06 PM. The one-storey building, which serves as a boutique hotel and cultural space, had its upper floor engulfed in flames. However, the swift intervention of the Dolphin and Ebute Elefun Fire Crews confined the blaze to the upper floor, preventing it from spreading further.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has extinguished the fire that erupted at Bogobiri House,” Adeseye stated. She also confirmed that the operation concluded without any casualties, and investigations into the fire’s cause are underway.

Renowned culture journalist, photographer, and artist Bolaji Alonge, who witnessed the incident, shared his account on Facebook.

“As we landed in Lagos last night, Bogobiri House was burning due to a presumed electrical fault. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and firefighters contained the fire, ensuring no damage to adjacent buildings,” Alonge wrote.

Alonge, who has a personal connection to the venue, added: “Bogobiri was our second home. While some of our belongings were lost, the impact on its owners, staff, and Lagos’ art community is immense. We got married there and have countless memories tied to this special place. It feels surreal.”

Similarly, musician Seun Olota, who has performed at the venue, described Bogobiri as a vital space for the arts.

“Inasmuch as we feel pained, we are consoled that there are no injuries,” Olota wrote on Facebook, calling Bogobiri “a home of comfort, inspiration, performance, exhibition, and artistry.”

Bogobiri House has long been celebrated as a hub for creative expression in Lagos, hosting countless performances, exhibitions, and cultural events. While the fire caused significant damage, the swift response from the Lagos Fire Service ensured that this beloved space was not completely lost.