The recent demolition of Peter Obi’s brother’s property located in the Ikeja area of Lagos State, allegedly by the state government without due process sparks criticism across the country as many citizens regard it as a political move against the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential elections. But the Lagos State Government denies knowledge of the contentious demolition
By Patrick Ogboru
For His Eminence, Peter Gregory Obi, Nigeria is, simply, a lawless country. The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), described Nigeria as a country that tramples on its legal codes following the alleged illegal demolition of his younger brother’s company’s property located in Ikeja the capital of Lagos State.
In a statement which Obi released on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 via his official Facebook Page, Obi decried the increasing disregard for the rule of law and civil rights in the country, warning that Nigeria’s deteriorating human rights indicators and weak institutional protection could deter both local and foreign investments.
The statement read, “Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors. Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and basic living standards.”
The 2023 presidential candidate recounted how he was alerted on Tuesday morning by his younger brother that a group of unknown individuals had invaded and commenced the demolition of a company-owned property in Ikeja. The brother, who had just returned from Port Harcourt, was reportedly denied access to the building by security men on site, who told him that demolition had already started over the weekend.
“I rushed to Lagos from Abuja after the call this morning and headed straight to the property,” Obi said. “On arrival, I was met by security people who tried to bar me from entering. I pleaded with them, explaining to them that the demolished property belonged to my brother’s company and had been in his possession for over a decade.”
According to Obi, when he requested to see the legal backing for the demolition, the security personnel told him that a court judgment existed, which according to him was allegedly issued against an “unknown person” and squatters, with no identifiable defendant or name served.
“How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case?” Obi asked. “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.”
Obi further explained that he tried to speak with the contractor or authorities behind the demolition, but was met with silence and confusion, saying “I stood there from 10am to 2pm, waiting for someone to call. Nobody did. The contractor even said he didn’t know who sent him. It was a coordinated display of impunity.”
The presidential hopeful for 2027 election, also reflected on his recent conversation with a businessman who operates across West Africa but refused to invest in Nigeria, adding that “He told me plainly: ‘Nigeria is a lawless country. Until we have laws that protect people, nobody will invest in Nigeria.’”
The former Anambra State governor questioned the direction the country is heading, saying: “What kind of country are we trying to build when the rights of citizens, their lives, their properties, and their voices are trampled upon daily?”
Despite the ordeal, Obi reaffirmed his vision for a new Nigeria. “I remain committed to a better Nigeria where lawlessness will be a thing of the past, protection of life and property, respect for human rights, care for the less privileged, and basic education for all children,” he said.
In a quick reaction to the legal demolition, the LP Caucus in the House of Representatives condemned the action against Obi and his family. Speaking through its leader, Hon. Afam Ogene, the caucus called on the Lagos State Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that no harm comes to Mr. Obi or his business interests, warning that the development could signal a dangerous trend in political intolerance.
According to the caucus, the demolition, allegedly carried out under the guise of a court order, raised serious questions, as neither the property owners nor any relevant party was reportedly notified, and the order was not issued in anyone’s name.
Condemning what it termed as a misuse of the judiciary process, the LP lawmakers said such actions undermined democratic principles and have no place in a civilised society.
The caucus warned that if such lawlessness could be meted out to a prominent opposition figure, ordinary Nigerians who rely on the law for protection are even more at risk.
Hon. Ogene linked the demolition to earlier warnings by Mr. Obi about coordinated attacks on his person and businesses, allegedly due to his role in the 2023 elections and his continued criticism of government over insecurity and economic hardship.
He cautioned against a brand of politics that inflicts “anguish, pain, and sorrow,” adding that political engagement must be free from bitterness and not become a tool for economic or psychological harm.
Ogene said, “Our leader and candidate is a staunch democrat, committed to transparency, integrity, and nation-building. His empathy for the poor has earned him broad admiration across ethnic and political divides.”
Also fuming against the demolition, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide expressed outrage over the demolition of a building belonging to the younger brother of Mr Obi, Labour.
In its reaction, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike urged the Lagos State Government to come clean on the matter.
Okwu, who wondered if the country was turning into a Banana Republic, stated that “Peter Obi’s aspiration to become president of Nigeria is his genuine and constitutional right.
“We reject a situation where Nigerians would no longer be free to express their political desire, choices and aspirations.
“Lagos State is not a country of its own, but part of the entity called Nigeria. It is even more disturbing that no court issued an order for the demolition of the said property, nor the owner a party to any suit pertaining to the matter.
“This is why we urge the government of Lagos State to explain to Nigerians what they need to know about this reckless action.
“It is not a matter that should be swept under the carpet. Ndigbo have suffered enough injustice in this country and this is just another sad reminder that we are endless victims of political chess game.”
But the Lagos State Government appears to be living in denial as to who carried out the demolition. The state said it has ordered a full-scale investigation into the controversial demolition of a property reportedly owned by the brother of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Obi.
The denial came as a response to allegations by Obi, who accused the state government of being complicit in the demolition exercise.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, denied the government’s involvement and described Obi’s claims as “unverified and baseless.”
Omotoso said, “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.”
According to Omotoso, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS & Urban Development, who oversees LASBCA, also confirmed that the agency was not involved in the demolition.
He expressed concern that such claims were made without proper fact-checking, especially at a sensitive political time, ahead of local government elections.
Omotoso reaffirmed the government’s commitment to due process, saying, “We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws. Any individual or group found involved in such acts will be brought to justice.”
To get to the root of the matter, the state government also directed Arc. Gbolahun Owodunni Oki, FNIA, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, to oversee a comprehensive investigation by LASBCA into the circumstances surrounding the demolition.
“The investigation will help clarify what truly happened and ensure appropriate actions are taken,” Omotoso stated.
Reiterating the government’s inclusive stance, the statement concluded: “The Lagos State Government welcomes everyone to live and work in the state, and we assure all residents of our continued commitment to their safety and well-being.”
What is baffling many analysts is the blatant denial by Lagos State that it was not aware of the demolition. Which agency would have carried out such malicious act without the authorization of the state government? They asked.
As Obi’s brother said that he has headed for the court to seek redress and compensation, it is now left for the Lagos State Government to show proof that such a heinous act can take place in broad day light without its involvement.
