Peter Obi, Sen. Abaribe, Sen. Victor Umeh, Sen. Akobundu, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, others Storm Lagos Trade Fair Over Demolition of Igbo Traders’ Shops, Condemn Action as Stakeholders Protest

A high-powered delegation of prominent Igbo political leaders on Tuesday stormed the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex to assess the aftermath of the controversial demolition of shops and properties belonging to Igbo traders.

The delegation included former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Okey Akobundu (Rtd), the 2023 Labour Party Governorship candidate for Lagos State Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. Their visit came on the heels of mounting outcry across the country over the demolition, which many stakeholders have described as targeted and economically devastating to southeastern business owners resident in Lagos.

During the inspection tour, the Igbo leaders walked through the affected sections of the market, interacted directly with displaced traders, and condemned the destruction of property without what they termed “due consultation or adequate notice.”

The traders narrated their ordeal, insisting that government must be transparent in handling issues that affect their livelihoods. One of them lamented: “We have been here since 1977 when the market was established. Where have these people been for the past 48 years? There has been no legislation or disturbance until now. The management board is always informed before any actions are taken here. The government claims they are surprised, but there was no prior notice regarding the demolition.”

The delegation was further informed that although officials claimed to have invited the Executive Director of the Complex, Vera Safiya Ndanusa, to a meeting, she insisted she never received any such invitation. 

“When she questioned why some buildings were being marked for demolition, they ignored her and proceeded to mark several buildings down for demolition in her presence,” a trader added.

However, in defence of the demolition exercise, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, explained that the state was acting within the law. He said Lagos State’s position is backed by a Supreme Court judgment of 2003 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019, which empowers the state to regulate and enforce physical planning laws.

“We have taken decisive action to prevent further development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the Complex, as creating a livable, organised, orderly, and sustainable built environment is essential to achieving our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda,” Dr. Olumide stated.

Meanwhile, the demolition has triggered heightened tension as traders, under the umbrella of the Trade Fair Stakeholders Association, staged a protest against the action. They described it as “willful, malicious, and illegal.”

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop destroying our properties,” “Our buildings are FG approved,” and “This complex is regulated by the Federal Government,” the angry traders accused the Lagos State Government of violating due process and usurping federal authority over the trade complex.

The controversy continues to generate widespread debate, with stakeholders calling for urgent dialogue between the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, and Igbo traders to avert further esc alation of tensions.