Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, recently lamented the demolition of a property belonging to his younger brother in Ikeja, Lagos, claiming the action was unlawful and lacked due process. Obi stated that unidentified men demolished the building based on a vague court judgment against “unknown persons” and squatters, without naming his brother or authorizing demolition. He described the incident as “coordinated lawlessness and impunity,” emphasizing that no demolition order or permit was presented, and no one served with court papers.
Obi said he rushed from Abuja to Lagos to confront the demolition but was barred from entering the site. Despite waiting several hours and requesting contact with those responsible, no one reached out to him. He highlighted the broader implications for Nigeria’s rule of law and investment climate, warning that such lawlessness threatens human rights and economic growth.
However, Lagos State officials countered Obi’s claims. The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, affirmed that the state government follows due process in demolitions and that no building is removed without legal backing. LABSCA, the agency responsible for demolitions, denied involvement in this particular demolition. Additionally, legal experts criticized Obi for publicly undermining judicial authority, arguing that the matter is sub judice and that Obi’s emotional social media posts could manipulate public opinion without presenting legal proof.
Prominent voices like Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Deji Adeyanju condemned the demolition as lawless and reckless, aligning with Obi’s view of impunity in Lagos governance. Meanwhile, aides to Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu advised Obi to report the incident to the police to identify those who ordered the demolition.
This controversy has sparked a heated debate online, with netizens divided between supporting Obi’s call against lawlessness and criticizing him for allegedly misrepresenting facts surrounding the demolition. The conflicting narratives underscore ongoing tensions about property rights, governance, and judicial processes in Nigeria.