The Lagos State Government has denied any involvement in the alleged demolition of a property said to belong to the younger brother of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.

Obi had earlier raised alarm over what he described as the unlawful destruction of his brother’s property in Ikeja, Lagos. He claimed that the building, which had stood for over 15 years, was brought down by unidentified individuals acting on a vague court judgment that made no mention of his brother, the property, or any demolition order.

“This morning, my youngest brother called me frantically, informing me that a group of people had invaded his company property in Ikeja, Lagos, and were demolishing the building,” Obi stated.

However, in a swift response, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, issued a statement on Thursday dismissing the claims as “unverified and misleading.”

“The Lagos State Government is compelled to address the recent allegations made by Mr. Peter Obi regarding the demolition of a property belonging to his brother. We wish to categorically state that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition,” the statement read.

Omotoso added that the Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde—who oversees LASBCA—had also confirmed that the agency had no involvement in the incident.

“We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts,” Omotoso stated.

He further assured the public that the state government remained committed to the rule of law and would not condone any form of illegal demolition. He said that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.

To ascertain the facts surrounding the incident, the commissioner disclosed that the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, had been directed to launch a full investigation through LASBCA.