The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the demolition of a property belonging to the brother of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, while firmly denying any state involvement in the incident.
Lagos Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso issued a statement rejecting claims that state agencies participated in the demolition, calling Obi’s allegations “disturbing and without facts.”
The Incident
On Tuesday, Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, took to social media to report that his younger brother’s company property in Ikeja, Lagos had been demolished without proper legal authorization.
According to Obi’s account, his brother contacted him after a group of individuals invaded the company premises and began tearing down the building. The former Anambra State governor noted that the court order presented by the demolition team listed “person unknown” as the defendant, raising questions about the legal basis for the action.
While Obi did not directly blame federal or state authorities for the demolition, he mentioned that some individuals at the scene identified themselves as being from “Lagos state” and claimed they were acting under a “safety order.”
Obi suggested the incident might be connected to what he described as ongoing harassment following his participation in the presidential election.
State Response and Investigation
In response to the allegations, the Lagos State Government has directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the demolition.
Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser for eGIS & Urban Development who oversees LASBCA, confirmed that the agency had no role in the demolition activity.
Omotoso called on the public to dismiss Obi’s claims, stating that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order throughout the state. He emphasized that the administration would not be deterred by what he characterized as unfounded accusations.
The investigation aims to establish the facts surrounding the demolition and determine what actions, if any, should be taken based on the findings.