Amanze ChinonyeLagos State Government has denied being involved in the demolition of a building belonging to the younger brother of Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said neither the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) nor any other government agency was responsible for the demolition of Obi’s brother’s property.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa had reported that Obi on Tuesday lamented the unlawful demolition of a property located at the Ikeja area of Lagos, which belongs to his younger property.
Obi, who visited the site after the demolition exercise had been concluded, criticised the manner in which it was carried out and expressed shock on the level of lawlessness in the country.
However, the Commissioner said in the statement that Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, confirmed that the agency played no role in the demolition exercise.
“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts,” the statement read.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, emphasizing that it would not condone lawlessness or unauthorized actions by any individuals or groups.
He also noted that anyone found culpable in unlawful activities would be prosecuted accordingly.
To further clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition, Omotoso said the state government has directed the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni, to initiate a full investigation through LASBCA into the matter.
“This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken,” he stated.
“Lagos remains a welcoming city for all Nigerians,” the statement added. “We assure all residents of our unwavering commitment to their safety, security, and the rule of law.”
The government also called on the public to disregard Mr. Obi’s claims and remain confident in the administration’s ongoing efforts to ensure peace, order, and accountability in the state.
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