The Lagos State government has condemned the actions of political actors of the “South-East extraction”, misrepresenting the provision of the law on the ongoing building planning enforcement carried out in the Trade Fair complex in the Ojo area of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement shared on  X by Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the State Government reaffirmed its stance on enforcing building planning within provision of the provisions of the constitution, dismissing allegations of ethnic bias being propagated by opposition figures.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to attempts by certain political actors, particularly of South-East extraction, to misrepresent facts and discredit the ongoing enforcement at the Complex. Such actions are populist, ill-motivated, and aimed at scoring cheap political points, rather than advancing the cause of public safety and sustainable development.

Read Also

“The administration of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains firmly committed to promoting an orderly, inclusive, liveable, and sustainable physical environment. This commitment underpins urban renewal and redevelopment efforts across the State, which have necessitated the removal of illegal structures in several locations, including: 1)Pelewura Market, Lagos Island – predominantly occupied by Yoruba traders 2)Bombata Market, Lagos Island – predominantly occupied by Yoruba traders 3)LSDPC Low-Cost Housing Estate, Ilasan, Eti-Osa – largely allotted to Yoruba occupants 4)Otumara, Ebute Metta – mainly occupied by people of Ilaje origin 5)Alaba Rago – predominantly occupied by Hausa traders 6)Oluwole Market, Lagos Island – dominated by Yoruba traders Furthermore, it is on record that several States in the East such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo State have also embarked on demolition of identified Illegal Structures for flood control mitigation efforts, urban renewal or master plan enforcements. All carried out by the respective Governors without taints of ethnic colouration attached. Why should that of Lagos State be different?”

The Lagos State government distances itself from political grandstanding, calling on ethnic populists to desist from aggravating political tension within the state, tasking them to focus more on addressing the pressing socio-economic issues in their respective regions.

⁠”It is, therefore, disingenuous and divisive for anyone to resort to ethnic sensationalism whenever enforcement actions involve structures owned or occupied by individuals of Igbo extraction.

“The Lagos State Government will not be drawn into political grandstanding and urges those fanning ethnic sentiments to desist and instead focus on addressing the pressing socio-economic issues within their constituencies. The actions of the Lagos State government are always guided by the Law,” the statement concluded.