Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has condemned the demolition of plazas at the Lagos trade fair complex, describing the action as unlawful and economically damaging.
The demolition was carried out by officials of the Lagos ministry of physical planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
Obi, who visited the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) section of the market on Tuesday alongside lawmakers including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South and Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central, said the buildings were destroyed despite having valid approvals.
“I must commend the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss,” he wrote.
He revealed that some senators and members of the House of Representatives have pledged to investigate the demolitions “thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to this unfortunate development” to prevent future occurrences.
“Beyond this immediate case, I urge government at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice, especially at this difficult time,” Obi said.
“Many of the affected traders invested heavily — often through loans — in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy. To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive.”
The former Anambra governor stressed that a society seeking progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens.
“Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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