Opposition politician Peter Obi has criticized the demolition of his brother's property in Lagos, describing the action as a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
The demolition has sparked widespread concern and condemnation.
In a statement posted on X, Obi expressed his outrage at the demolition, emphasizing that the incident is symptomatic of a broader issue of lawlessness in Nigeria. He lamented the lack of adherence to legal processes and the impunity with which such actions are carried out, suggesting that the country is descending into a state of anarchy.
Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors. Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and… pic.twitter.com/3Dn2UZlPKq
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 24, 2025
According to Obi's statement, the demolition contractors could not specify who sent them to bring down the property. They simply said they got a call to pull it down. "They told me they had a court judgment, and I immediately requested it," Obi wrote on X.
"You would not believe that the court judgment they claim was issued against an unknown person, and squatters. I went further to ask about a demolition order or permit, and there was none.
"How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case? No one was served. No name was written. Yet they showed up with excavators and began destroying a structure that had stood for over 15 years."
Obi called on authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that property rights are protected, warning that such arbitrary actions undermine public trust and stability.
The Labour Party presidential candidate's remarks resonated with many Nigerians who shared concerns about the lack of legal protection for business and property owners. The Lagos State government is yet to address the situation.
Obi ran for president in 2023 against Lagos State former governor, now president, Bola Tinubu, defeating him in Lagos.
