Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo on September 30, 2025, to show solidarity with traders affected by the recent demolition exercise. Thousands of traders have been counting heavy losses after at least 19 large buildings were pulled down, resulting in the destruction of shops, goods, and businesses valued at billions of naira.

Background of the Demolition

The demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Government, has been met with widespread criticism. Affected traders staged massive protests, claiming their structures were duly approved by the Federal Government through the Trade Fair Management Board. Many traders accused the Lagos State government of discrimination and unfair treatment, taking to the streets with placards to express their grievances.

Condemnation from South East Patriots

The South East Patriots (SEP) has condemned the Lagos State Government’s actions, describing the demolition as an “assault on the collective aspirations of our people—and on Nigeria’s economic stability itself.” The group emphasized that the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex is a national economic asset, generating billions of naira in annual trade volumes and providing hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians. They are calling for the Federal Government to assert its authority and protect this critical economic hub from arbitrary state interference.

Sharing details about his visit on X on Tuesday night, Obi wrote-

The Lagos Trade Fair Demolition: A Test of Impunity, Justice and Compassion,,,
Today, alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony Nwoye, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowonmi, George Adegeye, Labour Party Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and coordinator of the Obidient Movement Tanko Yunusa, we visited the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.

I must commend the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss. I equally appreciate the Senators and the House of Representatives members who have pledged to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to this unfortunate development, and most importantly, ensure that the situation does not occur in the future.

Beyond this immediate case, I urge government at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice, especially at this difficult time. Many of the affected traders invested heavily – often through loans – in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy. To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive.

A society that seeks to make progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens. Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO