Ben Kalu Urges Tinubu To Stop Demolition Of Igbo Properties In Lagos

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of buildings owned by Igbo traders in Lagos State.

The appeal comes after several plazas at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area were demolished by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.

The exercise sparked outrage among affected traders, many of whom alleged that their properties were legally approved. During a visit to the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) section of the complex earlier in the week, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi described the demolition as unjust, insisting that the structures had valid documentation.

However, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olumide Oluyinka, dismissed the claims, maintaining that the affected buildings lacked proper approvals and were demolished over safety violations. He stated that the operation was not targeted at any ethnic group.

Speaking at a project commissioning in Aba, Abia State, on Friday, Kalu expressed concern over the hardship the demolitions had caused. He appealed to President Tinubu to engage Lagos authorities and explore ways for affected property owners to regularise their documents rather than lose their investments.

He said the destruction of businesses and homes amid economic hardship was painful and urged the government to adopt a more compassionate approach. Kalu noted that Tinubu had demonstrated goodwill towards the Igbo community through inclusive appointments and should extend that spirit to resolving the current crisis.

The deputy speaker also commended the president for implementing reforms that increased financial allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy. He said the policy had empowered state governments with more resources for development and urged the media to give due recognition to the president for the effort.

Kalu further called for the establishment of a seaport in the South-East, saying it would open up the region to new trade opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen economic growth.