The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Mr Obi misrepresented the facts.

The Lagos State Government has strongly rejected accusations by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that last week’s demolition of over 19 buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo was an act of injustice against traders.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Mr Obi’s comments misrepresented the facts and sought to “whip up emotions.”

Mr Omotoso clarified that approvals for physical development in Lagos can only be granted by the state government—not by the Federal Trade Fair Management Board.

“The owners of the buildings had no state approval. They were given ample time to regularize their papers during a general amnesty declared last year, which was extended several times, but they shunned the offer,” the commissioner said.

He further alleged that ministry officials inspecting the site were attacked, forcing police intervention.

The government argued that traders relied on the Trade Fair Management Board, which issues leases and manages commercial activities, but has no authority to approve building developments. Citing the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and the 2003 Supreme Court judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Omotoso stressed that states retain the authority to regulate development control within their territories, even on federal land, except for core federal areas like military formations.

“Administrative consent from the Management Board is not enough; state approval is mandatory. We must decide whether we want a society governed by law or one run by emotions and political interests,” he added.

Peter Obi’s position

On Tuesday, Mr Obi visited the complex alongside Labour Party officials and lawmakers, describing the demolitions as “a test of impunity, justice and compassion.”

He insisted that many traders had obtained necessary approvals before their structures were pulled down and commended them for exercising restraint.

“A society seeking progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend citizens’ dignity. Destroying legitimate investments without due process is both unjust and economically harmful,” Obi said.

Traders interviewed by the media also complained that the operation began suddenly at about 8 a.m. without notice to vacate or a court order. Some claimed their buildings carried federal clearance, while others criticised the speed of the demolitions, alleging that markings and destruction happened the same day.

Government insists demolitions were lawful

The Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Physical Planning Permit Authority, and the Urban Renewal Agency carried out the operation with security forces present.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, defended the exercise, stressing that the demolitions were backed by the Supreme Court ruling and the Lagos Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law (2019, as amended).

He noted that some of the affected buildings were either structurally defective, unapproved, or built on road setbacks and drainage alignments.

“Since November 2023, developers were repeatedly urged to regularize their building approvals, but many failed to do so. We acted to stop the development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the complex,” Mr Olumide said.