The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the recent demolition of a property reportedly owned by the brother of Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi. In an official statement, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated that no government agency, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was responsible for the action.
Omotoso said the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, who oversees LASBCA, confirmed that the agency had no part in the demolition. “It is troubling that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the government stressed that any act of lawlessness would not be tolerated, and those responsible would face legal consequences. The government also called on the public to disregard Obi’s claims, insisting it would not be distracted by “baseless accusations.”
To clarify the situation, the government has directed the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, to initiate a full investigation through LASBCA.
The statement concluded by assuring all residents—regardless of political affiliation—of their safety and the government’s dedication to lawful governance.
Peter Obi’s Allegations
Earlier in the week, Mr. Peter Obi strongly condemned the demolition of a property owned by his brother’s company in Ikeja, Lagos. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi described the act as a “blatant display of lawlessness” carried out by unknown agents, accompanied by security personnel.
According to Obi, the demolition was allegedly based on a vague court ruling against “unknown persons” or squatters, without any formal demolition order or notice. He claimed that neither he nor his family was served with legal documentation, and those at the scene—including contractors—could not provide details on who authorized the action.
“I stayed at the site for four hours trying to get answers, but no one could produce a court order or identify who was behind it,” Obi wrote.
He raised concerns about the legality of the process and broader implications for civil liberties in Nigeria, arguing that such incidents deter investment and erode trust in the legal system.
“If a registered business with over 15 years of presence can be treated this way, what hope is there for the average Nigerian?” he asked, linking the event to what he described as a growing trend of rights abuses and impunity.
Obi concluded with a renewed pledge to fight for justice, rule of law, and a “New Nigeria where life and property are protected and human dignity upheld.”
