Lagos Defends Demolition of Illegal Structures at Trade Fair Complex, Denies Ethnic Bias

Lagos Defends Demolition of Illegal Structures at Trade Fair Complex, Denies Ethnic Bias
Oluyinka explained that many structures inside the complex were erected without statutory approvals
The commissioner also faulted the management of the complex for leasing land to third parties without enforcing planning regulations

The Lagos State Government has defended the ongoing demolition of illegal structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, dismissing allegations that the exercise targets any particular ethnic group.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that while speaking to journalists on Thursday, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olumide Oluyinka, said the enforcement drive is a purely technical operation aimed at restoring order and compliance with planning laws.

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“That is not true. We have conducted similar operations at Owode Onirin, Idumota, and Ikeja. There is nothing ethnic here; it is purely technical,” Oluyinka stated.

He explained that many structures inside the complex were erected without statutory approvals and violated basic safety standards, making the demolition part of a broader statewide enforcement campaign.

“There has been a series of enforcement carried out on Lagos Island. I personally led a team that even touched the palace of a white cap chief. This is Nigeria for all of us. The facts are clear; when you are in a place, you must live by the law of that place,” the commissioner stressed.

Oluyinka said traders had been given ample notice to regularise their structures but resisted compliance. “Between March 2024 and now, our officers went there to serve notices and were locked up for five to six hours until the police intervened.

Even this year, officers were detained again. So what more notice are they requesting? They knew we were coming,” he noted.

The commissioner also faulted the management of the complex for leasing land to third parties without enforcing planning regulations, lamenting the poor state of infrastructure in the area.

“It’s a shame we allowed our Trade Fair to get to that extent. Refuse, drainages, walkways, sewage, everything is in shambles. They should even be happy we are here to sanitise, because that is our responsibility,” he added.

The demolition exercise, which began on September 25, is being carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning in collaboration with the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Urban Renewal Agency, and the Physical Planning Permit Authority, with security agencies providing support.