Lagos Defends Trade Fair Demolition, Denies Ethnic Targeting!

Lagos Defends Trade Fair Demolition, Denies Ethnic Targeting!

Reported by Marian opeyemi Fasesan

The Lagos State Government has defended its demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, insisting the operation is a technical enforcement of planning laws and not targeted at any specific ethnic group.

Government’s Position & Justification

• The government said the demolitions were part of enforcing physical planning and development control laws, targeting illegal and unsafe structures built without state approval. [1]
• Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, emphasized that even though the Trade Fair Complex is on federal land, developers must still comply with state planning approvals. [1]
• The government also responded to claims of ethnic targeting, stating demolition is based purely on compliance (or lack thereof), not ethnicity. [2] Traders’ Outcry & Allegations
• Traders accused authorities of acting with little notice. At least 19 buildings were demolished under tight security, which sparked outcry among shop owners who said they were not forewarned. [3]
• Some traders alleged they held valid approvals or had federal backing, but the state rejected those claims, saying the approvals were invalid under state law. [4]

– Former presidential candidate Peter Obi visited and criticized the operation, insisting the demolished structures had valid permits. Lagos rejected his remarks, calling them misleading and politically motivated. [2]

Legal & Policy Basis & Implications

• Lagos cited the Supreme Court judgment of 2003 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law (2019, as amended) as empowering the state to enforce planning laws within its territory. [1]
• Officials argued that allowing unchecked development in the Trade Fair area poses risks to infrastructure, drainage, and urban order. [5]
• The state emphasized that the demolition is part of a broader effort under its T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda to ensure Lagos remains organized, safe, and sustainable. [1]

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/trade-fair-demolition-lagos-defends-action/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/lagos-accuses-peter-obi-of-misleading-public-over-trade-fair-demolition/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/traders-lament-as-lagos-govt-demolishes-19-buildings-at-trade-fair-plaza/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/lagos-demolishes-buildings-at-trade-fair-complex-over-lack-of-permits/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Lagos Television: lagostelevision.com/2025/09/25/lagos-government-begins-demolition-of-illegal-structures-at-trade-fair-complex?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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