Peter Obi Decries “Coordinated Lawlessness” After Brother’s Lagos Property Demolished As State Govt Denies Involvement, Orders Investigation
This post has already been read 21085 times!
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s rule of law crisis following the sudden and unauthorized demolition of his brother’s company property in Ikeja, Lagos. The incident, which Obi described as a “shocking display of coordinated lawlessness,” has since drawn a strong denial from the Lagos State Government.
Obi, who has consistently criticized rising human rights violations and administrative impunity in the country, said he was personally affected by the same reckless disregard for due process he has often spoken against.
Obi Narrates Ordeal at Demolition Site
According to Obi, the property, which had been owned by his brother’s company for over a decade, was demolished on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, by unknown persons claiming to act on a court order.
Obi recounted in a detailed post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle how he was alerted by his youngest brother after being denied entry to the premises by security operatives. Despite rushing from Abuja to Lagos, Obi said he was also prevented from entering the property and was unable to obtain any official demolition notice or court order authorizing the action.
“The court judgment they claim to have was issued against an unknown person and squatters,” Obi lamented. “No one was served. No name was written. Yet they showed up with excavators and began destroying a structure that had stood for over 15 years.”
Even more troubling, Obi said, was the demolition crew’s inability to identify who sent them. “The whole situation screamed of coordinated lawlessness and impunity,” he stated.
He also linked the incident to the worsening investment climate in Nigeria, citing a conversation with an investor who recently told him that “Nigeria is a lawless country” and not suitable for business until the rule of law is restored.
Lagos State Government Denies Involvement, Orders Investigation
In a swift response to Obi’s public statements, the Lagos State Government, through the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, categorically denied any involvement in the demolition.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the government stressed that neither the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) nor any other state government agency carried out the operation.
“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.
Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, under whose supervision LASBCA falls, also confirmed the agency’s non-involvement.
The Lagos State Government described Obi’s claims as “disturbing” and called on the public to disregard what it termed “baseless allegations.”
“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts,” the statement continued. “The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.”
The government announced that it has directed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, FNIA, to initiate a full investigation through LASBCA to uncover the circumstances surrounding the demolition.
“This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken,” the statement added.
Obi Maintains Stand, Demands Justice
Meanwhile, Obi insists that the incident is symptomatic of a deeper governance failure in Nigeria. He emphasized that his family had never been served any legal notice and challenged authorities to thoroughly investigate how such an action could occur without state knowledge.
“I remain committed to a better Nigeria where lawlessness will be a thing of the past, where there will be protection of life and property, respect for human rights, and care for the less privileged,” Obi said.
Public Reactions and Next Steps
The incident has triggered a fresh round of public debate on the state of human rights, property protection, and government accountability in Nigeria. Advocacy groups and civil society organizations are already calling for transparency and for those responsible for the demolition to be identified and prosecuted.
As investigations proceed, all eyes will remain on the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to unravel the mystery behind the unauthorized demolition.
