JUST IN: “Peter Obi’s Claims Are Baseless and Misleading” – Lagos State Government Denies Role in Demolition, Orders Investigation

The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the demolition of a property in Ikeja linked to the brother of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the state government refuted Obi’s claims, which had described Nigeria as a “lawless country” after unknown individuals allegedly began demolishing the building without notice or court transparency.

According to the statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) — the authority responsible for supervising building regulations — was not involved in the demolition. Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, who oversees LASBCA, also confirmed that neither his office nor any official agency under him authorized or executed the action.

“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts,” the statement read. “The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws.”

The statement further urged the public to disregard Obi’s allegations and emphasized that the government would not be distracted by “baseless claims or attempts to discredit our efforts.” To address the controversy and determine the facts of the case, the government has instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, to oversee a formal investigation by LASBCA.

The move follows Obi’s public outcry on social media, where he claimed that the demolition was conducted without a proper court order and that his brother, the property owner, had never received legal notice. Obi also expressed concerns that Nigeria’s worsening legal climate was deterring investors and eroding civil protections.

In response, the Lagos State Government reiterated its openness to all law-abiding residents and reassured the public of its ongoing commitment to justice, safety, and orderly urban development.