Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the ongoing demolition of buildings in Lagos State, describing it as “unlawful, insensitive, and a gross display of disregard for citizens’ welfare.”
In a post shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi criticised the government’s decision to pull down properties without adequate notice, arguing that such actions are worsening the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
“The willful destruction of people’s homes, shops, and goods by government agencies remains deeply condemnable. These demolitions destroy livelihoods, undermine businesses, and threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens,” he wrote.
The former Anambra governor’s reaction follows the demolition of several plazas at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area, reportedly executed by officials of the Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
Obi argued that such large-scale demolitions, carried out amid severe economic distress, were “unacceptable” and reflective of misplaced priorities by a government that should be easing citizens’ suffering instead of compounding it.
“This is happening across the country at a time when the government is supposed to be lifting citizens out of poverty. Instead, it is plunging them deeper into hardship,” he added.
He urged authorities to adopt more humane and reform-driven approaches, prioritising dialogue, compensation, and economic relief rather than forceful evictions that render families homeless and businesses bankrupt.
Obi’s comments come amid mounting criticism from human rights groups and affected traders, who accuse state officials of failing to provide adequate relocation plans or legal justification for the demolitions.
