The Lagos State Government on Thursday denied involvement in demolition of property belonging to former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi’s brother.
The state’s commissioner of information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, described Obi’s claim as “baseless” and urged the public to disregard it.
Obi had statec in a post on his X account on Tuesday that his younger brother’s company building was demolished without a proper court order.
Obi, who served as the Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, noted that his brother called and informed him that he was denied access to his property in the Ikeja area of Lagos State.
Obi said he flew from Port Harcourt to Lagos and went to the site, where he was provided with a court order with “person unknown” as the defendant in the case.
He lamented the level of lawlessness the country has degenerate to.
“What kind of country are we trying to build when the rights of citizens, their lives, their properties, and their voices are trampled upon daily?” he asked.
Omotoso, however, denied that any agency of the state governments was involved in the demolition.
His statement read, “We wish to categorically state that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition.
“Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser, eGIS & Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, has confirmed that the agency was not involved in the demolition.
“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts.
“[The ministry] urge the public to disregard Mr. Peter Obi’s claims and rest assured that the Lagos State Government will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in our great state.
“We will not be swayed by baseless allegations or attempts to discredit our efforts.
“This investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken.”
