₦airaland Forum

The Lagos State Government began the demolition of what it described as “illegal developments and defective structures” at the popular Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area on Thursday, sparking tension among traders and property owners.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the demolition in a brief statement posted on his official social media handle.

“FLASH: Lagos State Government begins removal of illegal development, structures without statutory approvals and defective structures and structures built on road setback and drainages in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government area,” Gawat wrote.

He further disclosed that the operation was jointly carried out by multiple state agencies, including the Office of the Lagos State Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Office of Infrastructure, as well as members of the Lagos House of Assembly and armed security operatives.

Many netizens have also called on the government to fish out the officials who initially permitted the construction of the buildings and ensure they are all punished as prescribed.

For instance, an X user, King of Sley, said: “Start by punishing those that give approvals for these buildings. Una dey give just paracetamol to person with malaria. Solves nothing. Tomorrow those who claim to ve the plan & know the exact water ways will still give approvals and u blame the developers that r actual victims.”

Another user also wrote: “Taking this down without arresting the person who approved this structure is merely witch-hunting targeting specific individuals from a particular region. Where were the authority and all these agencies on ground today when the building was at the foundation level.”

Meanwhile, the state government earlier announced the collapse of a two-storey building at Mangoro bus stop in Alimosho Local Government Area on Wednesday evening.

At least six people reportedly sustained injuries in the incident.

Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, said one of the victims was pulled out alive but suffered a fracture and multiple bruises. He identified the injured man as a 44-year-old resident of 10 Olabode Street, Alimosho, who was immediately rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Surgical Emergency Unit for treatment.

“He arrived in stable condition and has since been admitted for further treatment,” Omotoso said in a statement.

Five other rescued victims were taken to a private hospital in the neighbourhood for medical care.

Beremx:
When the buildings are almost completed, they start to demolish.
What is the agency for buildings doing if they don't know their job? Who approved the buildings when they know it's going to cause an obstruction? These buildings were approved as far back as Obasanjo's administration. Why is Tinubu destroying them in his administration? Trade Fair complex belongs to the FG so I know what I'm saying

Beremx:
When the buildings are almost completed, they start to demolish.
What is the agency for buildings doing if they don't know their job? Who approved the buildings when they know it's going to cause an obstruction? These buildings were approved as far back as Obasanjo's administration. Why is Tinubu destroying them in his administration? Trade Fair complex belongs to the FG so I know what I'm saying

muyico:
Ndi developers will come with they re tribalism fight

zero8zero:
God one from LASG. Remember when illegal structures were demolished at Alaba rago, these people wailing now supported the demolition. And the people affected did not go to town screaming victimization. Now, your own illegal occupation have come home to roost.
Reminds me of a man, a very bitter Obidient who was giving thumbs up to Govt demolishing Alaba rago but when he was asked, he said Govt cannot touch Trade fair, if Govt touched trade fair, bla bla bla will happen. I want to see his power, thankfully, he will come on his show this evening.

madridguy:
I don't know if the right agencies are always sleeping when buildings like this are under construction.

Antoeni:
Trade fair Complex is owned by the Federal Government. Hence, Lagos State Govt. doesn't have any business demolition any building there.

they can't survive without Igbo man money, criminals

izzou:
[color=royalblue]The buildings demolished today, were not approved under any Obasanjo regime.

The Trade fair market (Initially from Balogun to ASPAMDA), still remains the recognized market that was leased in the late 90s.

These demolished buildings are warehouses that people bought and built on. Those places used to be buffer zones for the market.

The question is who gave the approvals, as those buildings have being there for years. Even a bank was affected.

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Slytiger:
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the demolition in a brief statement posted on his official social media handle.



https://saharareporters.com/2025/09/25/lagos-moves-bulldozers-trade-fair-complex-demolishes-several-illegal-defective