The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims made by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the recent demolition of buildings at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
Over the weekend, more than 19 buildings inside the complex were pulled down by state officials, sparking outrage from traders and political leaders. Obi, after visiting the affected Auto Spare Parts section of the market, described the action as “a test of impunity, justice, and compassion,” insisting the exercise lacked fairness.
But in a statement on Wednesday titled “Obi Wrong on Trade Fair Complex”, Lagos Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, accused Obi of politicising the matter. He said the comment was an attempt to mislead the public through “misinformation and disinformation.”
According to Omotoso, the affected property owners never secured valid approvals and ignored repeated opportunities to regularise their documents during a government-declared amnesty. He alleged that when physical planning officials visited the site, they were attacked and locked out, while invitations for dialogue were also rejected.
Omotoso clarified that the Trade Fair Management Board, created by the Federal Government, has no power to approve or regulate construction within the complex. He stressed that under Nigerian law, planning and development approvals rest solely with state governments.
“The board may manage leases and tenancies, but building permits must come from Lagos State. Otherwise, such developments are illegal,” Omotoso said, adding: “We must decide the kind of society we want — one governed by law or one run by emotions and political interests.”
For now, the face-off between Obi and the Lagos government adds fresh controversy to an already heated debate, leaving affected traders caught between politics and survival.
