Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, feels it is essential to address, with unwavering clarity, the troubling actions undertaken by the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We demand an immediate halt to all demolition activities specifically targeting Igbo investments within Lagos State. These actions are not merely administrative; they appear to be a calculated political vendetta aimed at systematically undermining the economic contributions of Igbo residents in Lagos, potentially forcing them to leave the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly condemns the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. These acts represent a profound injustice, an economic assault, and a blatant violation of the rights of traders, the majority of whom are of Igbo descent. The demolitions violate protections provided by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 40, and contravene the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the foundational provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, which mandate lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy, advance notice, and fair compensation for affected property owners.

Independent investigations commissioned by Ohanaeze Ndigbo have revealed serious violations of the Urban and Regional Development Law of Lagos State. Alarmingly, there was a notable lack of environmental impact assessments or consultations with stakeholders prior to these demolitions. Insights from interviews with Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, reveal that the Trade Fair Complex falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, thereby questioning the legality of state-led demolition actions.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to cease these attacks on Igbo properties and investments in Lagos State. We remind the Governor that he received substantial support from the Igbo community during his 2019 electoral campaign. Since his administration began, our records indicate that over 2,753 properties—houses, shops, and their valuable contents—have been indiscriminately demolished without due process, leading to colossal losses estimated at around 23 trillion Naira in investments. We must confront these issues head-on, regardless of any political sensitivities.

Our assessments indicate a troubling trend; the Lagos State Government appears to be engaging in acts of political retribution against the Igbo community, especially following the electoral outcomes observed after the 2023 elections. The current inflation rate of 23.9% only exacerbates the economic impact on Igbo traders, and reports suggest that further demolitions may be planned as a strategy to reduce the Igbo presence before the 2027 elections.

We earnestly urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly in this matter. The President must order an immediate halt to any further demolitions and require the Lagos State Government to provide adequate compensation to those affected. Additionally, we advocate for the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, which has been inactive for 59 years, and call for the establishment of a new Southeast Seaport at the Azumiri Blue River in Ukwa East LGA of Abia State, located just 34 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

Furthermore, we must alert the Igbo community residing in Lagos State to the concerning prospects ahead. Information available to us indicates that additional demolitions targeting Igbo properties may occur as early as 2026. It is crucial for Igbo business owners to assess the sustainability of their investments in Lagos and consider relocating their enterprises to the Old Eastern Region, particularly the Southeast. The ‘Think Home’ philosophy (Akụ Ruo Ulo) is increasingly viewed as the most viable strategy in response to the ongoing demolitions.

Standing united, we will confront these injustices and vigorously defend the rights and livelihoods of the Igbo people.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Chief Chinemeze Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze NdigboOHANAEZE NDIGBO PRESS RELEASE – 5th October 2025

OHANAEZE NDIGBO PRESS RELEASE – 5th October 2025