Peter Obi Decries Coordinated Lawlessness After Brother’s Property Demolished in Lagos

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned what he describes as the illegal demolition of a property belonging to his younger brother in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Obi, the incident began when his brother, just returning from Port Harcourt, found that a team had arrived unannounced and was already tearing down his company’s property. Security guards on site barred him from entering and gave no clear explanation  only stating that demolition had begun days earlier.

After receiving the frantic call early Tuesday morning, Obi flew from Abuja to Lagos and went straight to the site. Even he, a former state governor and public figure, was initially blocked by security personnel.

“I calmly explained that this was a registered company’s property, owned by my brother for over 10 years,” Obi said.
“They claimed they had a court judgment, but when I asked to see it, it turned out to be against ‘unknown persons’ and ‘squatters.’

He added there was no demolition order, no written permit, and no formal notice served to the rightful owners.

Obi described the scene as chaotic and suspicious. Workers operating the excavators refused to name who sent them, saying they were only told to demolish the property. He gave them his phone number and requested to speak directly with whoever issued the command — but no one responded.

“I stood there for four hours  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  and still, no call, no explanation. Even the contractor claimed he didn’t know who gave the order.”

Eventually, two men arrived and said the parties involved should go to the police station. But even they had no demolition order, making the entire process seem like what Obi called pure impunity.

He questioned how a country could function when private property could be destroyed without notice, court service, or official clearance.

Obi used the moment to reflect on a conversation he had days earlier with a businessman who operates in Ghana, Senegal, and Benin Republic  but not in Nigeria.

“When I asked him why, his answer was piercing: ‘Nigeria is lawless.’ That’s the truth investors see.”

The Labour Party chieftain voiced concern for everyday Nigerians, asking:

“If this kind of injustice can happen to someone with a registered company, what hope is there for a struggling trader or small business owner?

He also pointed out how human rights indicators in Nigeria have continued to drop, reflecting a dangerous slide into impunity and insecurity.

Despite the ordeal, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to a better Nigeria — one where:

• Rule of law is respected

• Property rights are protected

• Vulnerable citizens are safe

• Human dignity is upheld

“I know what I’ve faced just for contesting an election I had a right to enter. But that only makes me fight harder for a country where justice works  for everyone.”