Lagos State Government has defended the recent demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex, insisting the action complied with physical planning laws, while accusing former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of misleading the public with his comments.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, the state government criticised Obi’s remarks during his visit to the complex, where he commended traders for their “restraint” and suggested that the demolished buildings had proper approvals.
Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, described Obi’s comments as an attempt to misinform the public through “misinformation and disinformation.”
“The owners of the affected structures did not hold valid planning approvals,” the statement said. “They were given ample time to regularise their papers when the State Government declared a general amnesty last year, which was extended several times. They shunned the offer.”
According to Omotoso, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development faced hostility during inspections at the complex.
“The gates were locked against them, and they were beaten. The police had to intervene to ensure the safety of our officers,” he added.
The state government also dismissed claims that the Trade Fair Complex Management Board had the authority to approve building works, noting that while the Board may allocate spaces and manage leases, it cannot grant development approvals.
“Under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992), as adopted by Lagos State, all physical developments within Lagos require planning permits from the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,” the statement said.
“This position was reinforced by the Supreme Court in 2003 (Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation), which affirmed that land use and physical planning fall under concurrent jurisdiction, with states retaining authority to regulate development within their territories.”
Omotoso stressed that the demolitions were lawful and not politically motivated.
“The Management Board can allocate spaces and provide administrative consent, but any construction or alteration without state approval is illegal and may be sealed or demolished,” he said.
Concluding, the government urged compliance with the law above political sentiment:
“We must decide the kind of society we want — one governed by law or one run by emotions, fuelled by political interests.”
