Lagos Government Denies Ethnic Bias in Trade Fair Demolition, Cites Planning Law Violations
The Lagos State Government has refuted allegations of ethnic discrimination in the recent demolition exercise at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, stating that the operation was driven solely by urban planning and regulatory concerns.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olumide Oluyinka, clarified that the exercise was part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting developments that violate planning regulations across multiple parts of the state.
“This has nothing to do with ethnicity,” Oluyinka said. “Similar operations have been carried out in Owode Onirin, Idumota, and Ikeja. The issue is compliance with planning laws, not identity.”
Regulatory Concerns and Safety Risks
According to the commissioner, the Trade Fair Complex management had leased land to private developers without securing the necessary government approvals. Several of the structures were reported to be dangerously close to public roads and lacked oversight from registered professionals, raising concerns over public safety.
Oluyinka added that environmental and infrastructural conditions within the complex were deteriorating, pointing to blocked drainage, unmanaged refuse, and defective sewage systems as further justification for government intervention.
Notices and Stakeholder Engagement
The commissioner emphasised that affected occupants had been issued prior notices dating back to March 2024. He alleged that attempts by ministry officials to serve enforcement notices were met with resistance, including incidents where officers were detained and harassed.
“It is inaccurate to claim there was no warning,” Oluyinka stressed. “We engaged the management multiple times, but compliance was not forthcoming.”
Commitment to Fair Enforcement
Oluyinka reiterated that the government’s planning enforcement strategy applies equally across all communities. He stressed that the state remains committed to transparent, fair, and consistent application of urban development regulations in line with its long-term growth and safety objectives.
“The state will continue to act in the public interest, ensuring urban development is orderly, sustainable, and safe for all residents,” he concluded.
