The Lagos State Government has firmly denied any involvement in the alleged demolition of a property reportedly owned by the younger brother of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.
Peter Obi had earlier raised alarm over the demolition of a building belonging to his brother’s company, located in Ikeja, Lagos. According to Obi, the structure had existed for over 15 years before it was suddenly brought down without due process or legal justification.
Narrating the incident, Obi stated: “This morning, my youngest brother called me frantically, informing me that a group of people had invaded his company’s premises in Ikeja and were demolishing the building.
“The action, according to him, was allegedly based on a vague court judgment that neither mentioned his name, the property, nor contained any explicit demolition order.”
In reaction to the claims, the Lagos State Government issued an official statement on Thursday through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso. The government dismissed Obi’s allegations as “unverified and misleading,” clarifying that no demolition was carried out by any of its agencies.
“The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government was not responsible for the reported demolition,” the statement read. “It is imperative to set the records straight and avoid the spread of misinformation.”
Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, also confirmed that the agency had no involvement in the matter. He reiterated that LASBCA had neither issued a directive nor participated in any form of demolition related to the said property.
Omotoso criticized Peter Obi for making public accusations without first conducting proper fact-checking. “It is troubling that such serious claims were made without verifying their authenticity. The Lagos State Government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all residents,” he said.
He further emphasized that the state would not tolerate any form of illegal activity, including unlawful demolitions. Any individual or group found culpable, he assured, would face the full weight of the law.
To ascertain the facts surrounding the reported incident, Omotoso revealed that the government had directed the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, to launch a thorough investigation through LASBCA. The outcome of this investigation, he noted, would help clarify the situation and ensure accountability.
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