The Lagos State Government has begun an investigation into the controversial demolition of a property belonging to Tony Obi, the younger brother of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The structure, located at No. 2A, Abagbon Close, Victoria Island, Lagos, was reportedly demolished by officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on Saturday, June 22.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the government’s decision to probe the incident.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, to investigate the matter,” Omotoso said in a statement released Tuesday.
“The government will ensure that all parties are given the opportunity to present their case. No one is above the law.”
The commissioner added that the state government would not tolerate the abuse of power by any of its agencies or officials, noting that due process must always be followed.
Tony Obi had earlier claimed that the demolition was politically motivated and executed without a court order. He also alleged that all necessary building approvals were in place.
“I got approval for everything I built there. They stormed the place without prior notice and destroyed the entire property. This is pure victimisation. My brother is Peter Obi, and that is the only offence I have committed,” Tony Obi was quoted as saying.
In response to the allegations, Omotoso said: “The investigation will reveal the facts. If any official has acted inappropriately or beyond the scope of the law, the necessary actions will be taken.”
Reacting to the development, Peter Obi took to his verified X account to condemn the demolition, calling it an act of “coordinated lawlessness and impunity.”
He wrote: “My brother’s company property in Lagos was pulled down without any prior notice, no court order, no legal documents served. We got there and were told there was a court judgment, but they couldn’t produce it. The property had no encroachment issues, no notice of violation—nothing.”
Obi recounted that when they asked to speak with whoever ordered the demolition, no one identified themselves, not even the contractor, who reportedly said he did not know who sent him.
“They just came, blocked the gate with security agents and started demolition. They said we should go to the police station without giving us any paper. This is not governance, it’s lawlessness,” he wrote.
The former governor of Anambra State warned that such incidents send the wrong message to investors and the international community.
“Actions like these discourage local and foreign investment. Investors will not put their money in an economy where their properties can be demolished without legal process,” Obi added.
The development has sparked outrage among Labour Party supporters online, with many alleging political persecution due to Peter Obi’s influence and stance as an opposition figure.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, is seen as a major political figure and has continued to attract attention for his criticisms of governance and his calls for reform across Nigeria.
While the Lagos State Government has not yet confirmed the legality of the demolition or whether notices were duly served, Omotoso emphasised the importance of due process and fair hearing.
“The state government remains committed to upholding the rule of law. The outcome of this investigation will be made public, and if anyone is found culpable, they will be held accountable,” he said.
