•Peter Obi at the site of his brother’s demolished property
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the demolition of a property belonging to his younger brother in Lagos.
He described the action as unlawful and reflective of Nigeria’s growing descent into lawlessness under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, reports Daily Trust.
Obi made the remarks during an on-the-spot visit to the demolished site, where he expressed outrage at the “brazen violation of due process and citizens’ rights”.
In a video that surfaced online, Obi said the property was pulled down without prior notice, court order, or valid demolition permit.
He claimed that security operatives prevented his brother from retrieving any of his belongings before the demolition began.
“They just came suddenly and started demolition. My brother was not allowed to remove anything. What kind of court injunction allows someone to take over another person’s property and demolish it without notice?” Obi asked.
The former Anambra governor said the affected property had been in his brother’s possession for over ten years and that the entire exercise reeked of impunity.
He said the action was further evidence of a system where basic rights are routinely violated and authorities act without accountability.
“Our country has become lawless. This kind of behaviour only discourages investment. I recently spoke to someone who does business across West Africa but refuses to invest in Nigeria. He said Nigeria is lawless and offers no protection for investors,” Obi said.
He added that his personal experiences since the 2023 elections, including alleged abuses of his rights, reflect a dangerous pattern in governance that threatens the foundation of democracy and human dignity.
“If this can happen to someone like me, imagine what ordinary Nigerians go through daily. We have reached a frightening point where citizens no longer feel safe. Their lives, properties, and voices are under constant threat,” he said.
Obi reiterated his commitment to a new Nigeria where the rule of law, protection of lives and properties, and respect for basic rights are guaranteed.
Also reacting, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, described the demolition as “a total shame” and part of a disturbing trend of official recklessness.
He said the Lagos State Government’s action was consistent with what he called a pattern of disregard for property rights, due process, and public accountability.
“This is a notorious pattern of irresponsibility. Data already shows how this lawlessness has driven out multinationals and stifled foreign investment. The cost has been massive job losses and deepening poverty,” he wrote on X.
Rhodes-Vivour said Lagos must become a place that respects property rights and is governed by institutions rather than political vendettas.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju similarly criticised the demolition, questioning why the property owner was not allowed to retrieve his belongings.
He said the situation reflects political intolerance and a misuse of power, warning that such acts further erode public trust in governance.
“Where are we heading in this country? Why demolish Peter Obi’s brother’s property without allowing him to remove anything? What kind of politics is this?” Adeyanju asked.
