The Lagos State Government has refuted claims of involvement in the us demolition of a property allegedly owned by the brother of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
Peter Obi had earlier alleged that a building owned by his younger brother’s company in Ikeja, Lagos, was unlawfully demolished. According to him, the structure had stood for over 15 years before unidentified individuals tore it down, citing a vague court judgment that neither mentioned his brother nor authorized any demolition.
Obi recounted, “This morning, my youngest brother called me in distress, saying that some individuals had stormed his company’s property in Ikeja and were demolishing the building.”
In response, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, released a statement on Thursday dismissing Obi’s remarks as “unverified and misleading.” He clarified that neither the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) nor any other state agency was responsible for the demolition in question.
“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. We wish to categorically state that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition,” the statement read.
The Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, who oversees LASBCA, also confirmed that the agency had no involvement in the incident.
Omotoso expressed concern that such claims were made without due verification, adding that the state remained committed to law and order.
“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts,” he said.
The commissioner emphasized that the state government has zero tolerance for lawlessness and pledged that anyone involved in unauthorized demolitions would face legal consequences.
To get to the bottom of the alleged incident, Omotoso said the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki has been tasked with launching a thorough investigation through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
