Your statement is unverified, misleading – Lagos slams Peter Obi over house demolition allegations
Your statement is unverified, misleading – Lagos slams Peter Obi over house demolition allegations
The Lagos State Government has refuted claims that it was involved in the alleged demolition of a property reportedly owned by the brother of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Obi had earlier raised an alarm, alleging that his younger brother’s company property in Ikeja, which had stood for over 15 years, was demolished by unknown individuals.
He claimed the action was based on a vague court judgment that made no mention of his brother, the property, or any demolition order.
“This morning, my youngest brother called me frantically, informing me that a group of people had invaded his company property in Ikeja, Lagos, and were demolishing the building,” Obi said.
Reacting to the allegation, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described Obi’s claims as “unverified and misleading.”
He clarified that no state agency, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was responsible for the demolition.
“The Lagos State Government is compelled to address the recent allegations made by Mr. Peter Obi. We categorically state that neither LASBCA nor any other agency under the state government was involved in the said demolition,” Omotoso said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, who oversees LASBCA, confirmed that the agency had no role in the incident.
Omotoso criticised Obi for making public claims without verification and emphasized that the state remains committed to enforcing law and order.
“It is disturbing that such serious allegations were made without first verifying the facts,” he added.
To get to the root of the matter, Omotoso said the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, has been directed to launch a thorough investigation through LASBCA.
He assured the public that anyone found responsible for any unlawful demolition would face legal consequences.
