Peter Obi Condemns Nigeria as Lawless After Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos

Peter Obi Decries Nigeria’s Legal System After Alleged Illegal Demolition in Ikeja, Lagos

LAGOS, Nigeria — Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, has described Nigeria as a nation lacking law and order following the alleged unlawful demolition of his younger brother’s business premises in the Ikeja area of Lagos State.

In a detailed statement posted on his verified Facebook account on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern over what he called the increasing erosion of the rule of law and the alarming disregard for citizens’ civil rights and legal protections. He warned that such trends are sending dangerous signals to investors and jeopardizing Nigeria’s economic stability.

“When a society allows lawlessness to thrive over lawful process, it cannot attract or retain serious investors,” Obi emphasized. “The current human rights records in Nigeria have continued to decline, pointing to serious failures by the state to uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of its people.”

Peter Obi Narrates His Brother’s Ordeal in Ikeja

Recounting the incident, Obi explained that he received a distress call early Tuesday morning from his younger brother, who had just returned to Lagos from Port Harcourt. His brother informed him that unidentified persons had stormed the property owned by his company in Ikeja and commenced demolition activities.

Obi immediately traveled from Abuja to Lagos and went straight to the site. Upon arrival, he met with security operatives who initially attempted to deny him entry to the premises.

“I told them this property belongs to my brother’s company and has been legally held for over ten years. It has been in use and maintained,” he explained.

When he asked to see any official court order or documentation authorizing the demolition, the security team allegedly presented a questionable court judgment, reportedly issued against an “unknown person” and some unidentified squatters—not naming the legal property owners.

Obi Questions the Legal Process Behind the Demolition

“Where is the legal foundation for this?” Obi questioned. “How can a court of law issue a ruling against unnamed individuals? Who was served the notice? This is a tragic mockery of justice.”

Obi was dismayed that the building—standing for more than 15 years—was demolished under such vague pretenses. He also expressed his frustration at being unable to engage with anyone directly responsible.

“I stood there for hours, from 10am to 2pm. No official showed up. I tried to speak with the contractor handling the demolition, but he said he didn’t even know who authorized the work. It was clearly a well-coordinated act of institutional impunity,” he stated.

Investor Confidence at Risk, Obi Warns

The respected statesman referenced a conversation with a regional entrepreneur who operates businesses across West Africa but refuses to establish any ventures in Nigeria. The businessman bluntly said: “Nigeria is lawless. Until laws protect both people and property, it’s too risky to invest here.”

Obi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgent need to rebuild public institutions and reestablish trust in Nigeria’s legal framework, especially if the country wishes to attract both local and international investments.

Vision for a New Nigeria

Despite the disturbing experience, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the vision of a New Nigeria—a nation where the rights of citizens are protected and lawlessness is eradicated.

“We cannot build a functional country if the lives, voices, and properties of our citizens are constantly under threat. My vision for Nigeria is rooted in the principles of justice, equity, the rule of law, and the welfare of all Nigerians—especially the vulnerable,” Obi concluded.

He stressed the importance of respect for human dignity, the protection of personal and business assets, and universal access to education and opportunity as cornerstones for a better Nigeria.