Peter Obi Condemns Lagos Property Demolition, Decries Lawlessness in Nigeria

 

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate and leader of the Labour Party, has condemned the unlawful demolition of his younger brother’s property in Ikeja, Lagos State, describing it as a clear case of lawlessness and human rights abuse in Nigeria.

Obi, in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressed deep concern over the incident and the growing disregard for the rule of law in the country. According to him, any society where lawlessness overrides justice cannot attract meaningful investment or assure citizens of security.

“Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors. Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and basic living standards,” Obi stated.

Obi recounted that his brother had alerted him of the demolition after arriving from Port Harcourt and being denied access to his company’s property by security operatives. Despite owning the property for over a decade, the building was demolished without notice, demolition order, or valid court judgment.

“I rushed to Lagos from Abuja and was blocked from accessing the property. The security men claimed they had a court judgment, but it was against ‘an unknown person.’ No demolition order, no proper legal process. This is coordinated lawlessness,” he said.

Obi emphasized that if such impunity could be meted out to a registered company with legitimate ownership documents, ordinary Nigerians and small business owners are even more vulnerable.

The former Anambra State governor warned that Nigeria’s lawlessness is scaring away both local and foreign investors.

“Over the weekend, I met a businessman who has investments in Ghana, Senegal, and Benin Republic but refuses to invest in Nigeria because of our lawlessness. His words were piercing: ‘Nigeria is a lawless country.’ Until we uphold laws that protect people, investors will stay away,” Obi added.

Peter Obi called for urgent reforms to ensure respect for human rights, protection of lives and property, and the restoration of public trust in the justice system. He reaffirmed his commitment to building a Nigeria where law and order prevail, and citizens' rights are fully protected.

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