Lagos denies role in demolition of Obi brother’s property, orders probe

The Lagos government says no agency of the state was involved in the demolition of a property belonging to the brother of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections.

A statement by the Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos commissioner of information, said Obi’s allegations on the demolition are “disturbing and without facts”.

In a post on his X page on Tuesday, Obi said his younger brother’s company property located in Ikeja, Lagos, was allegedly demolished without legal justification.

The former Anambra state governor said his younger brother called him that a group of people had invaded his company property, and were demolishing the building.

He added that the court order presented by the group of persons shows “person unknown” as the defendant in the case.

Obi, who claimed he is experiencing rights abuse for simply contesting the presidential election, did not attribute the demolition to the federal or state government.

However, Obi said some persons who came to see the property said they are from “Lagos state” and they came for “safety order”.

LAGOS TO PROBE DEMOLITION INCIDENT

Omotoso said the Lagos State Building Control Agency has been directed to commence full investigation into the demolition incident.

The information commissioner asked residents to “disregard Mr. Peter Obi’s claims” on the matter.

“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 reads.

“Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser, eGIS & Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, has confirmed that the agency was not involved in the demolition.

“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts.

“We urge the public to disregard Mr. Peter Obi’s claims and rest assured that the Lagos State Government will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in our great state.

“We will not be swayed by baseless allegations or attempts to discredit our efforts. This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken.”