The Lagos State Government has faulted comments made by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, regarding the demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex.
According to Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Obi’s remarks were misleading and unfair. “Obi, while trying to whip up sentiment, sought to misinform the public by claiming the demolished buildings had approvals. This is simply not true,” Omotoso stated.
Omotoso clarified that the affected structures lacked valid approvals, and their owners ignored multiple opportunities to regularize their documents. In 2023, the state government declared a general amnesty for owners of unapproved buildings, which was extended several times, but the owners at the Trade Fair Complex failed to take advantage of the gesture.
The government emphasized that the Trade Fair Complex Management Board, a federal agency, only has powers to allocate spaces and manage commercial leases, not to issue building approvals. “The Board may allocate spaces and manage leases, but building approvals must pass through the Lagos State Government. Otherwise, such developments remain illegal and subject to demolition under state law,” Omotoso explained.
Peter Obi had visited the complex, praising traders for their restraint and describing the demolition as “a test of impunity, justice, and compassion”. He claimed the demolished buildings had proper approvals. However, Omotoso stressed that none of the affected structures had valid approvals from the Lagos State Government.
Omotoso cited the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and a 2003 Supreme Court judgment, which affirm that physical planning and building approvals fall under the remit of state governments. “We must decide the kind of society we want one governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests,” Omotoso urged.
The Lagos State Government’s stance highlights the importance of adhering to building regulations and respecting the rule of law. As the investigation into the demolition continues, it’s essential to prioritize transparency and accountability in governance.
