Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has condemned the demolition of Igbo-owned properties in Lagos by agents of the Lagos State Government, describing the action as “unprovoked, discriminatory, and economically reckless.”
Addressing a world press conference on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State capital, ASITU National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, said the union had petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice over the “targeted demolitions.”
Diwe said the decision to approach international bodies followed the failure of Nigerian institutions to address the group’s documented grievances.
“We have done this not because we lack faith in Nigerian institutions, but because those institutions have failed to respond adequately,” he said.
ASITU accused the Lagos State Government of selectively enforcing demolition orders against Igbo property owners while sparing others. The group dismissed official claims that the affected structures were built on waterways, insisting that many had valid government approvals.
“We have documented several cases where Igbo property owners followed every legal requirement, only to have their buildings demolished while similar structures owned by others remain untouched,” Diwe said.
The association argued that the demolitions send a dangerous message to investors and worsen ethnic divisions in the country.
“These actions inflame ethnic tensions at a time when Nigeria needs unity more than ever,” ASITU warned.
“They tell both local and foreign investors that property rights in Nigeria are not secure and that government approval can be arbitrarily revoked.”
ASITU recalled that plazas belonging to Igbo traders at Ebute Ero Market were demolished in February 2025, and that the exercise had intensified at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo since September.
The group said it had established a Property Rights Violation Desk to document cases and provide legal representation for victims.
“We will prepare cases for Nigerian courts and, where necessary, for international tribunals,” Diwe declared.
The association urged all affected persons to come forward for documentation, saying:
“Do not suffer in silence. Bring your documents, receipts, and approvals. Together we will build an undeniable record of what has happened.”
ASITU lamented that despite the Igbo people’s contributions to national unity and economic growth, they continued to face hostility and discrimination.
“We are the adhesive that binds this nation together. We invest and create jobs across Nigeria, yet we are made to feel unwelcome,” Diwe said.
He argued that the renewed agitation for Biafra was being fueled by entrenched discrimination against the Igbo.
“When an Igbo man calls himself a Biafran today, it is not because he dreams of secession. It is because he feels rejected. The Biafran identity is not a threat—it is a cry of pain from citizens who feel marginalized.”
ASITU also called on Igbo political leaders to rise above party politics and defend the interests of their people.
“You were not sent to Abuja to be spectators. The Constitution you swore to uphold guarantees property rights and freedom from discrimination. You must act,” Diwe charged.
The association urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct state governments to respect due process and avoid discriminatory demolitions. It also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately suspend ongoing demolitions and review all affected properties.
“Where mistakes have been made and validly approved properties destroyed, Lagos State must acknowledge and compensate the owners,” ASITU said.
While clarifying that Ndigbo have no quarrel with the Yoruba people, ASITU blamed “unjust policies and bad governance” for the crisis.
“Our quarrel is not with the Yoruba nation but with discriminatory enforcement and violation of constitutional rights,” Diwe said.
He warned that Nigeria was “dying slowly from the cancer of ethnic discrimination and selective justice,” and called on other Nigerians to rise against the injustice.
“This is not an Igbo problem; it is a Nigerian problem. If we allow government to destroy property arbitrarily, tomorrow it could be Yoruba properties in Kano or Hausa properties in Calabar.”
ASITU appealed to affected property owners to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while urging Igbo entrepreneurs to also invest at home under the Aku Ruo Ulo (wealth returns home) philosophy.
“Do not be discouraged. Invest in Igboland. Develop industries in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Build a strong economic base that guarantees dignity and security,” Diwe urged.
He concluded by noting that despite potential risks, he would not be silenced.
“It is possible that my family may not see me again after this press conference for speaking the truth. But no regrets. No apologies,” he declared.
