Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of properties belonging to Igbo traders in Lagos State.
The demolitions, which affected several plazas at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, were carried out by officials of the Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning, Building Control Agency, and related bodies.
During a visit to the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) section of the market, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, condemned the exercise, insisting that the affected structures had valid approvals.
However, Olumide Oluyinka, the Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, dismissed the claim, stating that the buildings lacked proper authorisation and were demolished due to safety concerns.
Speaking on Friday at a project commissioning in Aba, Abia State, Kalu urged President Tinubu to persuade the Lagos government to suspend further demolitions and allow affected traders to regularise their documentation.
“The destruction of our brothers’ houses and offices in Lagos makes our hearts bleed,” Kalu said. “Mr President, please appeal to the governor to accommodate our people and allow them to rectify their documents instead of destruction.”
Kalu, who praised Tinubu for his “inclusive leadership”, said the president’s track record of appointing Igbos into key positions showed his commitment to unity.
He also commended Tinubu for increasing federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, urging the media to “give credit where it’s due.”
The deputy speaker further appealed for the establishment of a seaport in the South-East, noting that it would unlock economic potential and boost trade across the region.
