The Lagos State Government has refuted claims made by the former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, following his visit to the Trade Fair Complex where structures were recently demolished for violating physical planning laws.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the state government accused Obi of using “emotional theatrics” and “misinformation and disinformation” to mislead the public.
Obi had visited the complex after the enforcement action, where he praised the affected traders for their “restraint” and claimed the demolished buildings had necessary approvals, describing the incident as “a test of impunity, justice and compassion.”
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Omotoso dismissed the former presidential candidate’s assertion and presented the government’s official position on the matter.
He stated that the owners of the demolished buildings did not possess valid planning approvals from the state government.
He explained that the government had granted a general amnesty last year for owners of unapproved buildings to regularise their documents.
This offer, Omotoso noted, was extended several times, but the owners of the Trade Fair Complex “shunned the offer.”
Omotoso further reported that when physical planning officials visited the complex for enforcement, they were met with resistance.
He said the gates were locked against them, and they were “beaten up,” prompting the police to intervene and carry out a rescue.
He added that when the government later invited the owners for talks, “they did not come.”
The commissioner also clarified the dispute over approval authority, stressing that although the management board of the Trade Fair Complex is a Federal Government creation, it “does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independent of the Lagos State Government.”
Omotoso cited legal precedent to back the state’s action.
He explained that under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992, as domesticated by Lagos State), all physical development in any part of Lagos must secure a planning permit from the Lagos State Government.
He reinforced this position with the 2003 Supreme Court judgment (Attorney-General of Lagos State Attorney-General of the Federation), which “clarified and reinforced” that land use and physical planning fall under concurrent jurisdiction, with states retaining the authority to regulate development control within their territories, including Federal lands, except for exclusive federal enclaves.
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He said the management board can manage leases and commercial activities, any construction requires a Lagos State planning permit, and developments without it are deemed illegal and liable to demolition.
Omotoso urged the public to consider if they want a society “governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests.”
