Peter Obi, Lagos Govt Trade Words Over Trade Fair Complex Demolition

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the demolition of plazas at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, describing the action as unjust and economically harmful.

The demolition was carried out by officials of the Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.

On Tuesday, Obi visited the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) section of the market alongside lawmakers including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) and Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central). He said the affected plazas were demolished despite having valid approvals.

Obi added that some members of the National Assembly had pledged to “thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate development” to prevent future occurrences.

He wrote:
“I must commend the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss. Beyond this immediate case, I urge government at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice, especially at this difficult time. Many of the affected traders invested heavily — often through loans — in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy. To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive. Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.”

Lagos Govt Responds
Reacting to Obi’s remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, insisted the former Anambra governor was wrong, accusing him of attempting to “whip up sentiment.”

According to Omotoso, the building owners failed to secure the necessary approvals from the state government despite being given multiple opportunities under a general amnesty declared last year.

“The owners of the building have no approval. They got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared last year a general amnesty, which was extended several times. The owners shunned the offer,” the statement read.

Omotoso explained that the Trade Fair Complex Management Board, established by the Federal Government, lacked the legal authority to approve building developments independent of Lagos State.

He cited the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and a 2003 Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed that state governments retain the authority to regulate physical development within their territories, including federal lands—except for core federal areas like military formations.

“The Trade Fair Complex Board may manage leases, tenancies, and commercial activities, but any construction, alteration, or development still requires Lagos State planning permit. Otherwise, such developments would be deemed illegal under state law, and the Lagos State Government has the power to seal or demolish them,” Omotoso clarified.

He stressed that while the board can allocate spaces and manage tenancies, building approvals must come from the Lagos State Government.