The Lagos State Government has defended the recent demolition of several buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, stating that the action was necessary to enforce compliance with physical planning laws and protect public safety.
According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the demolition exercise is in line with the State’s legal mandate to regulate urban development, regardless of the federal ownership of the land on which the Trade Fair Complex is situated.
Olumide emphasised that the Supreme Court ruling of 2003 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019 (as amended) grant the state government full authority to oversee and enforce physical planning regulations within its jurisdiction.
He noted that the fact that the Trade Fair Complex is located on Federal Government land does not exempt developers or property owners from complying with Lagos State’s planning laws.
“We have acted decisively to halt further development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the Complex as a livable, organised, orderly and sustainable built environment is crucial to achieving our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda,” Olumide was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi.
On Thursday, officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), and other relevant agencies, accompanied by security operatives, reportedly demolished over 19 buildings at the complex.
The affected structures were located at New Mandela Plaza, a popular section within the market.
Reports indicate that each of the demolished buildings was valued at ₦150m.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the area had a long-standing record of non-compliance, and efforts to bring developers into voluntary compliance had been repeatedly ignored.
A formal request for regularisation was issued in November 2023, but no substantial action was taken by property owners.
The demolition has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticising the government action, while others praised its move to restore order to the sprawling commercial hub.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ally of President Bola Tinubu, Joe Igbokwe questioned the motive behind the demolition.
According to him, himself, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi and late Senator Ifeanyi Uba are patrons of ASPAMDA.
“What is happening in ASPAMDA Trade Fair Complex Lagos? If a writer is silent he is lying.
“This one choke me ooooo. I am asking this question because I am among the 3 Patrons of ASPAMDA International Market, namely HE Peter Obi, myself and the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Bar Veronica Ndanusa , the Executive Director / CEO Trade Fair was just standing there and speechless,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Igbokwe Friday announced that he had visited the market to sympathise with the owners of the affected properties.
“Today as one of the patrons of that huge international market I went to ASPAMDA to empathize with the owners of the affected buildings. I also met with the leadership on the way forward. I also noticed a lot of incalculable damage to the buildings,” he wrote.
