LAGOS — The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has criticized the demolition of plazas at the Trade Fair Complex located in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The demolition was carried out by officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
On Tuesday, Obi visited the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) section of the market in the company of lawmakers, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) and Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central). He stated that the plazas were pulled down despite the traders having valid approvals.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed that some National Assembly members had pledged to launch an investigation into the demolition “thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to this unfortunate development” in order to prevent a recurrence.
Obi wrote:
“I must commend the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss.
Beyond this immediate case, I urge government at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice, especially at this difficult time.
Many of the affected traders invested heavily — often through loans — in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy.
To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive.
Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.”
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Lagos Govt Responds: “Obi Was Wrong”
In response, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, faulted Obi’s position and defended the state government’s action.
According to Omotoso, the affected property owners ignored repeated engagements by the government.
“The owners shunned the offer. When Physical Planning officials visited the complex, the gates were locked against them and they were beaten up. The police had to rescue them. When the government called the owners for talks, they refused to attend,” he said.
Omotoso explained that the owners’ claim of receiving approval from the Trade Fair Management Board was not valid.
“The board, which is a creation of the Federal Government to manage the complex, does not have the powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independently of the Lagos State Government. Physical planning and building approvals are strictly within the remit of state governments,” he clarified.
Citing the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992, as domesticated in Lagos State, the Commissioner emphasized that all physical development in any part of Lagos must obtain permits from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
He further referenced the 2003 Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which affirmed that land use and physical planning fall under concurrent jurisdiction. The judgment gave states authority to regulate development control within their territories, including federal lands, except for specific federal enclaves such as military formations.
Omotoso concluded:
“The Trade Fair Complex Board may manage leases, tenancies, and commercial activities, but any construction, alteration, or development still requires a Lagos State planning permit. Otherwise, such developments are illegal under state law, and the government has the authority to seal or demolish them.
In other words, the Management Board can allocate spaces and give administrative consent, but building approvals must pass through the Lagos State Government.”
