Peter Obi’s Comments on Trade Fair Demolitions Misleading – Lagos State Government

The Lagos State Government has refuted recent claims made by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, regarding the demolition of structures at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, stating that his comments were “misleading” and not based on facts.

Obi had visited the complex and addressed affected traders, praising them for their “restraint” and claiming that the demolished structures had proper approvals. He described the situation as a “test of impunity, justice and compassion,” a remark that the state government says is emotionally charged and misinformed.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government clarified that the affected buildings had no planning approval, contrary to Obi’s assertion.

“The owners of the buildings had ample time to regularise their documents,” the statement read. “Last year, the Lagos State Government declared a general amnesty, which was extended multiple times. They ignored it.”

Omotoso further disclosed that government officials were attacked when they visited the complex to enforce compliance, and had to be rescued by police. Efforts to engage with the building owners for dialogue also failed, as the owners reportedly refused to attend meetings.

The owners had claimed that the Federal Government’s Trade Fair Management Board authorized the developments. However, Lagos State maintains that building approvals fall under state jurisdiction, not the federal agency managing the trade complex.

Referencing the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and a Supreme Court judgment from 2003 (AG Lagos State v. AG Federation), Omotoso emphasized that all physical development in Lagos – including federal land (except for military or core federal areas) – requires approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

“The Board may allocate space and manage leases, but they have no power to approve buildings,” he added. “Any construction without a Lagos State permit is illegal.”

He concluded by urging Nigerians to choose a society governed by law rather than one “run by emotions or political interests.”