UMUAHIA—The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has formally petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice regarding the repeated demolition of shops and properties owned by Igbo traders and investors in Lagos.
Chief Emeka Diwe, the National President of ASITU, who spoke to journalists in Umuahia, described the demolitions as a form of “economic cleansing.” He expressed deep concern over what he termed the slow erosion of Nigeria through “ethnic discrimination and selective justice.”
Accompanied by executive members representing various Igbo communities, Diwe explained that the petition became necessary after numerous attempts to engage Nigerian authorities on the matter produced no meaningful response.
“We have taken this step not because we have lost faith in Nigerian institutions, but because those institutions have failed to address our documented grievances,” Diwe said.
ASITU rejected the Lagos State Government’s assertion that the demolished properties were illegally built on waterways, insisting that the affected structures were legally acquired and had obtained all necessary approvals. “Such actions send a troubling signal to investors that property rights in Nigeria are not guaranteed and that government decisions may be influenced by ethnic considerations,” he added. “This undermines investor confidence, economic development, job creation, and Nigeria’s reputation as a nation governed by the rule of law.”
The association also alleged that many demolition notices were issued with insufficient lead time, preventing property owners from seeking legal remedies. Furthermore, officials reportedly ignored valid documentation presented by affected property owners. “Many of the demolished buildings had prior approvals from the same Lagos State Government that later ordered their destruction. This is not law enforcement; it is the deliberate eradication of livelihoods and a violation of constitutional protections meant for all Nigerians,” ASITU stated.
The group urged affected property owners to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while also encouraging the Igbo community to reinvest part of their wealth in the South-East to strengthen the region’s economic base.
“To the Igbo business community, do not be discouraged. Embrace the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo—let wealth return home,” Diwe advised. “Invest in industries and build enterprises in Igboland so that our homeland can emerge as a strong economic hub commanding respect and security.”
Diwe emphasized that ASITU’s call for justice is not a separatist agenda but a push for economic resilience, mutual respect, unity, and prosperity across Nigeria.
