The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has cautioned the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu against what it described as a vendetta against the Igbo people living in the state and their properties.
Ohanaeze in a statement issued on Sunday by Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chinemeze Ohia, its Deputy President General and National Spokesperson alleged that 2,753 properties belonging to Igbo people in Lagos state have been demolished by the state government between 2019 to date.
Stating that it has become imperative to address the menace, the Igbo socio-political group called for the immediate cessation of all demolition activities, especially those targeted at Igbo investments within Lagos.
“Such measures are not merely administrative actions; they are perceived as a calculated political vendetta designed to systematically dismantle the economic contributions of the Igbo residents in Lagos State, compelling them to vacate the state in advance of the 2027 elections.
“With the utmost gravity, Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos,” the statement said.
It stated that the action of the Lagos State government not only showcases a high level of injustice but also amounts to an economic affront, and a blatant violation of the rights of traders who are mainly of Igbo extraction.
Citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the foundational provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, the group said a lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy, advance notice and just compensation are needed for affected property owners.
The statement further stated that independent investigations by Ohanaeze have shown that the Lagos State government through these demolitions have violated its Urban and Regional Development Law.
In addition, Ohanaeze alleged that there has been a conspicuous absence of environmental impact assessments or consultations with stakeholders before these demolitions.
While calling on Sanwo-Olu to, as a matter of urgency, halt these assaults on Igbo properties and investments in Lagos, the group reminded the Governor that he was overwhelmingly supported by the Igbo community during his 2019 electoral campaign.
“Since his administration’s commencement, our records reveal that over 2,753 properties – houses, shops, and their valuable contents – have been callously demolished without due recourse to the owners, representing colossal losses amounting to approximately 23 trillion Naira in investments.
“It is incumbent upon us to confront these issues forthrightly, irrespective of any political sensitivities,” it said.
Further calling the attention of President Bola Tinubu to the matter, Ohanaeze advocated for the reopening of the Calabar Seaport among several other infrastructure which has languished in disuse for 59 years.
It also urged the Igbo community in Lagos to make efforts to reevaluate the sustainability of their investments in the state while exploring the option of reestablishing their enterprises in the Old Eastern Region, particularly the Southeast.
“The ‘Think Home’ philosophy (Akụ Ruo Ulo) is increasingly seen as the most viable strategy in response to the ongoing demolitions.
“Standing united, we shall confront these injustices and ardently defend the rights and livelihoods of the Igbo people,” the statement added.