News

Peter Obi Reacts to Recent demolition on Alaba market demolition by Lagos govt

Published

3 years ago

June 27, 2023

272 Views

Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, has reacted to the recent demolition of some buildings at the Alaba International Market by the Lagos State Government.

Obi said although some of the demolitions might be excusable, they had left many victims, mostly ordinary people who he believed were either innocently ill-informed or misguided.

He said the primary duty of any government is to care for and protect its citizens.

In a statement issued via his verified Twitter handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor advised that “necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments, need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.”

Recall that the Lagos Government had on June 16 begun the removal of what it described as distressed buildings in the Alaba International Market located in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state.

DAILY POST reports that the enforcement team of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA and the Lagos State Task Force embarked on the joint exercise.

Following the controversy that trailed the exercise, the government insisted that the exercise was a measure to prevent disaster.

However, Obi maintained that Nigerian citizens should not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship.

The statement read: “Recently, there have been reports of widespread government demolition of so-called ‘illegal’ structures erected by some innocent Nigerian citizens in error. We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to self-help by building structures that serve as homes, businesses, SMEs offices and stores. Invariably, some of these structures were either not approved or were built with the tacit collusion or approval of the local authorities.

“While some of these ongoing demolitions may be excusable, they have nonetheless, left many victims, mostly ordinary people who erred innocently or were ill-informed or misguided. Necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.

“There should always be room for compassion and humane correction in taking any remedial action. I respectfully appeal to various governmental authorities to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion.

“In Nigeria, we live in a time of extreme difficulties for citizens because of stagnated income, spiralling inflation, huge unemployment escalating socio-economic costs and high costs of living.

“Nigerian citizens should therefore, not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship. Moreover, the various concerned governments should consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihoods in these unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering. Such compensation should fall under the rubric of eminent domain that is applicable for properties and assets acquired or demolished in the public interest.

“It cannot ever be overemphasized that the primary duty of any government is the responsibility to care for and protect her citizens.”

News

Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor Murder Suspects’ Hearing adjourn February 9-11

Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.

Published

9 hours ago

January 21, 2026

OCHEFA

13 Views

Photo: Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer

The FCT High Court Abuja has slated three days hearing for suspects that killed Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer.

Ohibaba.com learned that the matter is adjourned to 9, 10 and 12 February, 2026 for definite hearing.

The suspects were arraigned on amended Charges filed on 10th January before the FCT High Court.

Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.

All of them pleaded not guilty.

Defendants to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility.

News

Suicide bomber Kills Five Soldiers in Borno Waylaid

Security sources said that the attack occurred as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.

Published

10 hours ago

January 21, 2026

OCHEFA

13 Views

Five soldiers were killed while several others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy at the Timbuktu Triangle axis of Borno State.

Security sources said that the attack occurred Tuesday as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.

Two senior officers, a Major and a Lieutenant, were among those affected.

The military has yet to issue an official statement, as clearance operations are still ongoing in the area.

News

Ogun Govt Suspends Selection of New Awujale to prevent mayhems

Hon. Hamzat added that the decision was taken proactively to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to ensure that the eventual emergence of a new Awujale follows due process acceptable to all stakeholders.

Published

13 hours ago

January 21, 2026

OCHEFA

18 Views

The Ogun State Government has again suspended the ongoing process for the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

In a statement issued on behalf of the State government, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the decision became necessary following several complaints and intelligence reports received from security agencies and other key stakeholders involved in the selection process.

The government described the Awujale stool as one of the foremost and most prestigious traditional institutions in Yorubaland and Ogun State, noting that the stature of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who reigned for 65 years, further elevated the global prestige and reverence of the throne.

According to the commissioner, the prominence of the stool and the legacy of the late monarch have placed intense public attention and scrutiny on the emergence of the next Awujale, making it imperative for the state to act decisively to safeguard public order and uphold the dignity of the institution.

“The State Government has received several petitions, reports from security agencies and other key stakeholders in relation to the ongoing selection process.

In order to maintain public order, protect the integrity of the process and preserve the veneration of the stool, it has become imperative to halt the selection process at this time,” the statement read.

The government explained that its action was backed by the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empowers the Executive Council to set aside an appointment if it is deemed necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.

Consequently, the state government directed that the decision be formally communicated to the Awujale Kingmakers Council and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

The ruling house was specifically advised to await further directives from the government regarding the continuation of the selection process.

The development has temporarily stalled the succession process to the highly respected Awujale throne, as the government reviews the situation to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible outcome.