During a visit to the site, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, praised traders for maintaining peace and claimed that the demolished buildings had proper approvals. He described the state’s action as lacking justice, compassion, and restraint.
Lagos State Responds to Allegations
In a Tuesday statement, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, dismissed Obi’s comments, labeling them as misleading. He clarified that none of the demolished properties had legal authorization from the state.
Omotoso explained that property owners were offered multiple opportunities in 2023 to regularize their documentation under a general amnesty programme, which was extended several times. Despite these efforts, those at the Trade Fair Complex did not comply. He added that state officials were denied access during site inspections and, in some cases, faced attacks, necessitating police intervention. Invitations for dialogue sent to affected owners were reportedly ignored.
The commissioner emphasized that the Trade Fair Complex Board, a federally controlled body, has no authority to approve buildings or regulate construction. Only the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development can grant permits, as stipulated by the Urban and Regional Planning Act and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2003. While the Board may manage leases and business operations, Omotoso stated that any construction without state approval is unlawful and subject to demolition.
Upholding Rule of Law in Lagos
“As a society, we must choose to uphold the rule of law rather than allow emotions or political interests to dictate our actions,” he affirmed.
The demolition exercise, conducted last Thursday by the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning, affected over 19 structures.
