Obi Slams ‘Heartless’ Demolition Of Properties In Lagos, Others

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the ongoing wave of demolitions across parts of Nigeria, describing them as cruel and unjustifiable actions that worsen the suffering of already impoverished citizens.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, Obi faulted what he called the “willful destruction of people’s property and goods by governments at any level without notice,” warning that such policies are eroding public trust and deepening economic despair.

THE WHISTLER reports that the statement comes amid growing public outrage over a series of demolitions across the country, particularly in Lagos where traders and homeowners have accused authorities of destroying shops and residential buildings without adequate notice or compensation.

Recent incidents include the demolition of structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, home to the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA).

While officials have defended the actions as enforcement of planning laws, victims and rights groups have described them as economically devastating, and insensitive to the current hardship in the country.

Obi in his statement said that it was appalling that an administration whose policies had already driven millions into poverty within 29 months would still resort to demolitions instead of providing relief and support for struggling citizens.

“At a time when the government is supposed to be lifting citizens out of poverty, it is plunging them deeper into hardship,” Obi lamented, noting that many of the affected properties contained goods worth billions of naira, representing years of hard work and investment.

The former Anambra governor questioned the legal and moral basis for destroying private property “clearly not used for criminal purposes” without due process or notice, stressing that such actions violate the rights of citizens and threaten the country’s economic stability.

He urged authorities to act with compassion and ensure that enforcement of urban development laws does not become a tool for oppression.

“These demolitions destroy livelihoods, undermine businesses, and threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens,” Obi said, warning that the trend sends a “chilling message” to entrepreneurs that their life’s work could be erased overnight.

He called on Nigerians to resist such injustices, saying the protection of citizens’ dignity and property rights is essential to rebuilding the foundations of economic growth and social stability.