Ohanaeze Condems Lagos Trade Fair Demolition, Says Igbos Lose 2753 Properties Worth Over 23 Trillion

By Alex Odeh

The apex Igbos socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed sadness over the injustice and dehumanization suffered by the Igbos resident in Lagos under the administration of Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

A press statement issued on Sunday in Abakaliki signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General and Chief Chinemeze Ohia National Spokesman appealed to Lagos State Governor to order the immediate stoppage of the demolition exercises at the Lagos Trade-Fair targeted at the Igbos.

According to them, the recent demolitions perpetrated by the Lagos State Government are a flagrant breach of the Igbo people’s right to private property ownership, contravening the stipulations enshrined within Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and crucial provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act.

The statement reads: “The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is compelled by its unyielding moral obligations to address the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with a message of utmost gravity and clarity.

“This serves as a formal appeal to immediately cease and desist from further demolition exercises targeting Igbo investments within Lagos State, actions which Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally views as a premeditated political vendetta, a systematic annihilation of Igbo economic interests, and a thinly veiled attempt at forced displacement of Ndigbo prior to the forthcoming 2027 elections.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in the strongest possible terms, condemns the recent demolition of shops and structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. We deem this action an egregious act of injustice, a form of economic oppression, and a grave violation of the fundamental rights of traders, the majority of whom are of Igbo descent.

“The recent demolitions perpetrated by the Lagos State Government are a flagrant breach of the Igbo people’s right to private property ownership, contravening the stipulations enshrined within Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and crucial provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act. These legal instruments mandate lawful revocation of rights of occupancy, the provision of prior notice, and the disbursement of adequate compensation to affected property owners.

“Following independent investigations conducted by forensic investigators and a dedicated Ohanaeze committee, evidence has unequivocally revealed significant violations of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of Lagos State. Specifically, it has been established that no environmental impact assessments, nor requisite consultations with stakeholders, preceded the demolition exercises.

“Furthermore, a review of the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide’s, explanation for the Trade Fair demolitions reveals a critical oversight: the Trade Fair Complex Management Board was established by the Federal Government. This clarification underscores that the Trade Fair Complex operates under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, not the Lagos State Government.

“Therefore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, guided by its unwavering commitment to justice and the well-being of its people, demands that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu immediately halt all further demolitions targeting Igbo properties and investments within Lagos State.

“We remind the Governor that, since the inception of his administration in 2019, a period during which Igbos overwhelmingly supported his candidacy, over 2753 properties and shops, along with their associated goods, have been destroyed. This destruction, which has occurred without allowing affected Igbo traders to retrieve their assets, represents an estimated loss of over 23 trillion Naira in investments.

“The stark realities and the inconvenient truths must be acknowledged, regardless of the impact. Ohanaeze perceives a pattern that strongly suggests a concerted political vendetta against Ndigbo, potentially fueled by the repercussions of the 2023 elections. Considering the current economic climate, marked by a soaring inflation rate of 23.9%, and disregarding the devastating economic consequences of these unlawful demolitions on Igbo traders, there are credible indications that the Lagos State Government intends to intensify its demolition campaign to diminish the Igbo population and presence before the 2027 elections.

“Therefore, Ohanaeze implores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively and immediately halt all ongoing demolition exercises. We further request that President Tinubu issue a directive compelling the Lagos State Governor to provide just compensation to all affected Igbo traders. Furthermore, Ohanaeze, as a matter of utmost urgency, urges the President to reconsider and approve the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, granting the necessary Presidential approval for the dredging of this strategic asset, which has remained closed for 59 years. Additionally, we call for Presidential authorization for the establishment of a new Southeast Seaport at the Azumiri Blue River in Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia State. This site offers unparalleled access, being situated a mere 34 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

“Finally, Ohanaeze issues a stern warning to all Igbo residents of Lagos State. Information received suggests that further demolitions targeting Igbo properties may be anticipated in Lagos State throughout 2026. This is the opportune moment for Ndigbo to strategically relocate their businesses and investments back to the former Eastern Region, particularly the Southeast. The “Think Home” philosophy (Aku Ruo Ulo) represents the most viable and sustainable solution to counter the ongoing demolition exercises directed against Ndigbo in Lagos State”, they warned.