The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, regarding the recent demolition of buildings at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
Over the weekend, more than 19 structures were demolished by state officials, sparking outrage among traders and political leaders. Obi, after visiting the Auto Spare Parts section of the market, described the action as “a test of impunity, justice, and compassion,” arguing that the exercise lacked fairness.
In a Wednesday statement titled “Obi Wrong on Trade Fair Complex”, Lagos Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, accused Obi of politicising the matter and attempting to mislead the public through “misinformation and disinformation.”
Omotoso explained that the affected property owners lacked valid approvals and ignored repeated opportunities to regularise their documents during a government-declared amnesty. He alleged that physical planning officials faced hostility when they visited the site, while invitations for dialogue were rejected.
He further clarified that although the Trade Fair Management Board, created by the Federal Government, can manage leases and tenancies, it has no legal authority to grant building approvals. “Planning and development permits rest solely with the state government,” Omotoso said. “We must choose between a society governed by law and one driven by emotions and political interests.”
For now, the clash between Obi and the Lagos government has deepened an already heated debate, leaving affected traders struggling between political controversy and economic survival.
