Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, September 30, visited the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, where recent demolitions have left thousands of traders counting heavy losses.
Obi, who arrived accompanied by several politicians including
Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe , was received by a large crowd of emotional traders
and youths at the complex.
The visit follows last week’s controversial demolition
exercise at the Trade Fair, during which at least 19 large buildings were
pulled down. The action resulted in the destruction of shops, goods, and
businesses collectively valued at billions of naira.
Following the extensive destruction, the affected traders
staged massive protests, insisting that their structures had been duly approved
by the Federal Government through the Trade Fair Management Board. Many took to
the streets with placards, publicly accusing the Lagos State government of
discrimination and unfair treatment.
Sharing details about his visit on X on Tuesday night, Obi wrote-
The Lagos Trade Fair Demolition: A
Test of Impunity, Justice and Compassion,,,
Today,
alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony
Nwoye, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowonmi,
George Adegeye, Labour Party Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo
Rhodes-Vivour and coordinator of the Obidient Movement Tanko Yunusa, we visited
the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair in Lagos, where
plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite
approvals.
I must commend the traders for their
remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss. I equally
appreciate the Senators and the House of Representatives members who have
pledged to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances
that led to this unfortunate development, and most importantly, ensure that the
situation does not occur in the future.
Beyond this immediate case, I urge
government at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of
justice, especially at this difficult time. Many of the affected traders
invested heavily - often through loans - in the hope of securing their
livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy. To destroy such legitimate
investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically
destructive.
A society that seeks to make
progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the
dignity of its citizens. Incidents like this should have no place in a nation
that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.
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