The Lagos State Government has denied allegations made by Labour Party leader Peter Obi that it demolished a property belonging to his brother in Ikeja, Lagos. In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the government was not involved in the demolition.

“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,” Omotoso said. Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, confirmed that the agency had no hand in the demolition.

Omotoso expressed concern that Obi made the allegations without verifying the facts. “We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts,” he said. The government maintained its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

The Lagos State Government has ordered a full investigation into the matter to determine the circumstances surrounding the demolition. “Furthermore, we have directed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, to request a full investigation by the Lagos State Building Control Agency into this matter,” Omotoso said.

Obi had alleged that the property, owned by his brother’s company, had stood for over 15 years before it was demolished without a court order. He expressed outrage over the incident, which he said reflects a broader pattern of impunity and disregard for the rule of law in the country.

“We 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,” Omotoso added.