Lagos Govt Defends Trade Fair Demolitions, Says Exercise Targets Illegal Structures, Not Ethnic Groups

The Lagos State Government has justified the ongoing demolition of illegal buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, stressing that the operation is strictly an enforcement of planning regulations and not an attack on any ethnic group.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olumide Oluyinka, clarified the government’s stance on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. His remarks came in response to criticisms alleging ethnic bias in the exercise.

“That is not true. We have carried out demolitions in Owode Onirin, Idumota, and Ikeja. This has no ethnic correlation; it is purely technical. We just have to do our job,” Oluyinka said.

He explained that many structures within the complex lacked statutory approvals and violated safety standards. According to him, defaulters were given ample notice to regularise their buildings before the demolition commenced.

“I personally led a team there in March 2024. Between then and now is over a year and a half. Our officers were harassed, detained, and even locked up when they went to serve notices. So it is not true that stakeholders were unaware,” he stated.

Oluyinka further accused the Trade Fair management of worsening the problem by subleasing land to third parties who erected structures without adherence to planning rules.

The commissioner also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the complex, citing blocked drainage, poor refuse disposal, and collapsed walkways. He emphasized that the government had a duty to restore order.

“It’s unfortunate that the Trade Fair was allowed to deteriorate to this level. Refuse, sewage, drainage, walkways—all are in shambles. They should be glad the government has stepped in to sanitise the area,” he added.

The demolition, which began on September 25, is being carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning in partnership with the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Urban Renewal Agency, and the Physical Planning Permit Authority, with security agencies providing support.