The Lagos State Government has firmly denied any involvement in the reported demolition of a property belonging to the brother of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government described Obi’s claims as “unverified and misleading.” Omotoso emphasized that no agency under the state government, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was responsible for the alleged demolition.
“The Lagos State Government is compelled to address the recent allegations made by Mr. Peter Obi regarding the demolition of a property belonging to his brother,” Omotoso stated. “We wish to categorically state that LASBCA or any other agency of the state government did not carry out the said demolition.”
Omotoso further noted that Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, confirmed that the agency had no involvement in the incident.
Calling Obi’s remarks politically motivated, the government expressed concern about the timing and nature of the allegations, especially with local government elections approaching.
“It is disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such serious claims without proper verification,” the commissioner said.
He reassured Lagos residents of the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding any individuals or groups accountable for unlawful actions. The statement urged the public to disregard Obi’s assertions and maintain trust in the state’s efforts to preserve law and order.
To ascertain the facts surrounding the issue, the government has directed the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahun Owodunni Oki (FNIA), to launch a full investigation through LASBCA.
“The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances of the demolition and determine the appropriate course of action,” Omotoso added.
The state government concluded by reaffirming its dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and the protection of all residents, regardless of political affiliation.
Background
Peter Obi had earlier taken to his X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday to allege that a property belonging to his younger brother’s company in Ikeja, Lagos, was demolished without due process.
Obi said his brother informed him that unknown individuals had forcefully entered the property and begun demolishing the building. He noted that the court order presented by the group referred to the defendant simply as “person unknown.”
While Obi stopped short of directly blaming either the federal or Lagos State government, he suggested that the action was part of the broader harassment he has faced since contesting the 2023 presidential election.
