Peter Obi Urges Lagos Govt to be Compassionate Over Demolition of ASPAMDA Market

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has called on the Lagos State Government to exercise compassion and discretion in its enforcement of demolition policies, particularly in the case of the recently demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair Complex.

Obi, who visited the demolition site, criticised the razing of traders’ plazas, describing it as a test of justice, compassion, and human dignity. He argued that being legally justified does not automatically equate to being morally right.

“The law must never be used to inflict undeserved pain or destroy livelihoods when less destructive remedies exist,” Obi stated in a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday.

Referencing a personal experience abroad, Obi emphasized that governments should seek legal resolutions through dialogue and regularisation, rather than resorting to abrupt demolitions.

“Even if, for argument’s sake, some of the affected traders lacked proper approvals — which is unlikely — was demolition the only option?” he asked.

“Does it truly serve justice to destroy billions of naira worth of investments and livelihoods when less harmful solutions could have sufficed?”

His remarks followed a statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who defended the demolition, calling Obi’s comments “emotional theatrics.”

Omotoso insisted the state acted constitutionally and had granted traders ample opportunity to regularise their documents during a general amnesty issued last year, which was extended several times.

Despite this, Obi maintained that legal correctness should not override moral responsibility, stating: “The law is a means to ensure order, peace, and the protection of human dignity. When it becomes an instrument of hardship, it fails in its purpose.”

He concluded by urging authorities across Nigeria to consider the human impact of their actions and ensure enforcement is balanced with empathy and justice.