Lagos Defends Trade Fair Complex Demolitions, Citing Supreme Court Backing
The Lagos State Government has mounted a strong defense of its recent demolition activities at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, asserting its legal authority based on a landmark 2003 Supreme Court ruling.
In a statement released Tuesday, Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab emphasized that while the complex is under federal management, it remains subject to Lagos State’s planning jurisdiction. “Trade Fair is not a sovereign community within Lagos State,” Wahab stated, explaining that the federal board’s management role doesn’t override state authority on building approvals.
The demolitions, executed on September 25 by state agencies including LASBCA, sparked controversy and drew criticism from prominent figures. Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central called the action “illegal” during a Channels Television appearance, arguing that federal properties fall under federal control. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, visiting the site on September 30, expressed concern for affected traders who had allegedly secured proper approvals.
Responding to critics, Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso disputed these claims, stating that only Lagos State can issue valid development approvals. He noted that property owners had refused to regularize their documentation despite multiple extensions of an amnesty period.
Physical Planning Commissioner Oluyinka Olumide detailed that the demolitions targeted unapproved, unsafe structures and those built on road setbacks and drainage alignments. The action was grounded in both the 2003 Supreme Court judgment and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2019.
However, traders at the complex tell a different story. Several, including an eyewitness identified as Ikenna, alleged that demolitions began without prior notice around 8 a.m., while another trader named Stephen claimed some demolished structures had federal approval. An engineer named Samuel reported that buildings were marked for demolition the same morning as the operation.
The state government maintains its position is backed by the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992), which requires all physical development in Lagos to obtain permits from the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, regardless of federal land status.
Commissioner Wahab dismissed political motivations, comparing the actions to similar enforcement in other states like Abia and Anambra. The government insists the demolitions were necessary to maintain proper urban planning and ensure public safety, despite the controversy surrounding their execution.
