By Ehis Agbon, Lagos | June 28, 2025
The Lagos State Government has refuted allegations made by former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, who claimed that a property belonging to his brother was unlawfully demolished by the state.
In a statement issued on Friday through its official Twitter handle, the government categorically denied any involvement by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any of its agencies in the said demolition.
Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, who oversees LASBCA, confirmed that no such action was sanctioned or carried out by the agency. “The agency was not involved in the demolition,” he stated, while describing the allegations as disturbing and unverified.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who signed the statement, criticized Mr. Obi for allegedly making public accusations without first confirming the facts.
“The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws,” Omotoso emphasized. He warned that any individual or group found culpable in illegal activities would face the full weight of the law.
In a bid to unravel the facts, the government has ordered a full investigation into the matter. The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, has been directed to facilitate a comprehensive probe by LASBCA.
“The outcome of this investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the demolition and guide any further necessary action,” the statement read.
Reassuring Lagosians, the government reiterated its commitment to law, order, and the well-being of all who live and work in the state. It urged the public to disregard Mr. Obi’s claims, describing them as baseless and unhelpful to the public discourse.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation that Lagos remains open and welcoming, while the government continues its drive for a safer, orderly, and more livable city under the vision of A Greater Lagos Rising.
