The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has strongly condemned the alleged systematic demolition of lawfully acquired properties belonging to Igbo people in Lagos State....Read Full Article >>➤
The group has now called on international bodies, including the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to intervene. On Friday, February 14, 2025, agents of the Lagos State Government reportedly demolished trading plazas owned by Igbo businessmen at Ebute Ero Market, an act ASITU describes as an orchestrated attempt to expropriate Igbos from their legitimate businesses.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Chief Emeka Diwe, National President of ASITU, and made available to DAILY POST, the demolition was described as an assault on justice, equality, and the fundamental principles of property rights.
A Campaign of Selective Demolition
Chief Diwe lamented that despite repeated appeals for fairness and adherence to the rule of law, the Lagos State Government has continued its “brazen campaign” of selective demolition, disproportionately targeting Igbo-owned properties under various pretexts.
“It must be noted that these buildings and business complexes being demolished were never illegally built. They all came into being through the authorization of this same government masterminding their destruction today,” the statement read.
He further asserted that such actions are reminiscent of the historical injustices that the Igbo people have suffered in Nigeria.
Seeking International Intervention
ASITU has taken its grievances to several international bodies, urging them to hold the Lagos State Government accountable. The petitions have been sent to:
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): To investigate Lagos State’s actions as a violation of fundamental human rights, including property rights and non-discrimination.
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR): To bring Nigeria to account under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protects property rights for all citizens without bias.
ECOWAS Court of Justice: To seek legal redress for affected individuals whose rights have been violated under regional human rights standards.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch: To document these abuses and amplify the plight of the Igbo people facing targeted property destruction.
A Call to Action for Ndigbo
ASITU has reiterated its call for Ndigbo in the diaspora to embrace the “Aku Ruo Ulo” investment initiative. This strategy aims at gradually repatriating Igbo investments back to their homeland to unlock the economic potential of the Southeast region and foster prosperity.
“The world is watching. The international community will not stand by while an ethnic group is systematically dispossessed under the guise of governance,” the statement concluded.
With tensions rising and international bodies now being called to weigh in, all eyes remain on the Lagos State Government and its response to these allegations of targeted expropriation.
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