Trade FairVia lagostate.gov.ng

Trade Fair demolitions spark Lagos State vs Obi row

Solomon Michael
By Solomon Michael - Associate Reporter
2 Min Read

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized the demolition of buildings at the Trade Fair Complex. He described it as “a test of impunity, justice, and compassion.”

The Lagos State Government dismissed Obi’s remarks, calling them “misinformation and disinformation.” Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the buildings lacked approval.

Omotoso explained, “The owners of the building have no approval. They got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared last year a general amnesty, which was extended several times. The owners shunned the offer.”

He added that officials faced hostility while trying to enforce planning rules.

“When Physical Planning officials visited the complex, the gates were locked against them; they were beaten up. The police rescued them. When the government called the owners for talks, they said they would not come; they did not come.”

Omotoso stressed that the federal Trade Fair Management Board can oversee leases and business operations but cannot approve construction.

“The board does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independent of Lagos State Government,” he said.

He cited the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and a 2003 Supreme Court ruling to affirm Lagos State powers over development control, even on federal lands except military zones.

Omotoso concluded, “We must decide the kind of society we want, one governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests.”

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