The Lagos State Government has issued an official response to recent allegations made by former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi regarding the purported demolition of a property belonging to his family member. In a strongly worded statement, state authorities categorically denied any involvement by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other government department in the alleged demolition incident.
Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, who oversees LASBCA operations, personally confirmed that the agency had no participation in any such demolition activity. The senior official expressed disappointment that such serious allegations would be made without proper verification of facts, emphasizing the Lagos State Government’s commitment to due process in all urban development matters.
This clarification comes amid growing public discussion about property rights and urban development regulations in Lagos, Africa’s largest megacity. The state government maintains it follows strict protocols for any building demolition, requiring proper notices, legal procedures, and documentation – none of which were applied in this case according to official records.
Urban development experts note that Lagos has been implementing comprehensive land use reforms through its Electronic Geographic Information System (eGIS) to bring transparency to property administration. The state’s building control agency has recently intensified monitoring of illegal constructions across the metropolis as part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s urban regeneration agenda.
The Lagos State Government urged all stakeholders to verify information before making public statements that could potentially damage the reputation of its institutions. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to working with all property owners, while maintaining strict adherence to urban planning regulations designed for sustainable development of the fast-growing city.
The official statement issued by the lagos state government on the issue, reads thus;
‘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 arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition.
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.
The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws. Any individual or group found involved in such acts will be brought to justice.
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.
Furthermore, we have directed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, FNIA, to request a full investigation by the Lagos State Building Control Agency into this matter. This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken.
The Lagos State Government welcomes everyone to live and work in the state, and we assure all residents of our continued commitment to their safety and well-being.’
Signed
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso
Honourable Commissioner, Information & Strategy
Lagos State Government
