Lagos Govt Reacts to Peter Obi’s Claim on Property Demolition
The Lagos State Government has strongly denied allegations made by Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing it of being behind the demolition of a property owned by his brother in Ikeja.
In a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government described Obi’s claim as “unverified and misleading,” emphasizing that no state agency, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was involved in the said demolition.
“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 agency of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition,” Omotoso stated.
Supporting this stance, the Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS & Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, also confirmed that LASBCA was not involved in the exercise.
Omotoso expressed concern that the claim may be politically motivated, especially with local government elections approaching.
“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts, especially given the proximity of the local government elections,” he added.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to due process and the rule of law, warning that any individual or group found culpable of acting unlawfully would be held responsible.
In response to the controversy, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahun Owodunni Oki, has been directed to launch a full investigation through LASBCA to uncover the truth behind the incident.
Obi had earlier claimed that his brother’s business premises were demolished without a court order and that personal belongings were not retrieved before the property was pulled down. The matter has since drawn widespread attention and sparked heated public discourse.
