The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the demolition of the property owned by the brother of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Gbenga Omotoso, the state commissioner for information and strategy, said in a statement that Obi’s accusation that it approved the demolition was “unverified and misleading.”
“The Lagos State Government is compelled to address the recent allegations made by Mr. Peter Obi regarding the demolition of a property belonging to his brother.
We wish to categorically state that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other agency of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition’ the statement read in part
Omotoso went on to say that LASBCA’s Special Adviser on eGIS & Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, affirmed that the organization was not involved in the disputed demolition exercise.
Expressing concern over what it described as a politically motivated claim, Omotoso said;
“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts, especially given the proximity of the local government elections.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to the rule of law, assuring that any individual or group found guilty of lawless acts would be held accountable.
Omotoso further stated that the state government has directed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahun Owodunni Oki, to initiate a full investigation through LASBCA.
“The investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken” he said
Obi had on Monday, June 23, cried out over the demolition of his brother’s company property situated in Ikeja, the Lagos state capital. He insisted that the property was demolished without any court injunction and that his brother was not allowed to pick up any of his personal effects before the building was demolished.
