Lagos State Government has rejected claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, regarding the demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex, insisting that the buildings were constructed without proper approvals.
In a statement signed by Mr Gbenga Omotoso, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government said Mr Obi’s description of the incident as “a test of impunity, justice and compassion” was “emotional theatrics” designed to mislead the public.
The statement reads partly: “The owners of the building have no approval. They got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared last year a general amnesty, which was extended several times. The owners shunned the offer. When Physical Planning officials visited the complex, the gates were locked against them; they were beaten up. The police rescued them. When the government called the owners for talks, they said they would not come; they did not come.
“Their defence is that the Management Board of the Trade Fair permitted them to build their structures. This is wrong. The board, which is a creation of the Federal Government to manage the complex, does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independent of Lagos State Government. Physical Planning and building approvals are within the remit of State Governments.”
The government cited the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992), as domesticated by Lagos State, and a 2003 Supreme Court ruling (Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation) to affirm that all physical development in Lagos, including federal lands, must obtain planning permits from the State.
According to the statement, the Trade Fair Complex Board may only manage leases, tenancies, and commercial operations, but administrative consent from the Board does not replace a state-issued building permit. Any construction without Lagos State approval is therefore illegal and subject to demolition or sealing.
The Commissioner urged Nigerians to uphold the rule of law rather than political sentiment.
