Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has visited the site of the recent demolition at New Mandela Plaza, located within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State. Obi was joined on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by several political figures including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Akobundu, and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
The demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in collaboration with LASBCA, LASURA, the Physical Planning Permit Authority, the Office of Infrastructure, and security agencies, led to the destruction of several plazas despite reports that traders had secured necessary approvals. The state government defended the action, citing illegal developments, structural defects, violation of drainage channels, and obstruction of critical infrastructure as reasons for the exercise.
Obi, addressing the plight of affected traders, took to his X platform to commend their calmness in the face of what he described as a grave injustice. “I must commend the traders for their remarkable restraint in the face of such painful loss,” he stated, while urging governments at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and justice.
He noted that many traders had invested heavily—often through loans—to secure their livelihoods, stressing that demolishing legitimate businesses without due process is both unjust and economically harmful. Obi emphasized that a progressive society must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and uphold the dignity of its citizens, warning that such incidents undermine stability and shared prosperity.
Human rights groups have criticized the demolitions, alleging they were carried out without prior consultation with federal authorities, including the Trade Fair Board, which by law has oversight of the complex. Lawmakers have since pledged to investigate the matter.
Concluding his visit, Obi reiterated his vision for a “new Nigeria” founded on justice and accountability, calling for policies that prioritize the welfare of citizens and the protection of economic investments.
Report by: Praise Ekrika | Edited by: Chris Odjomah