In a heartfelt appeal, former presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Lagos State Government to adopt a more humane approach in its ongoing demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex, particularly at the ASPAMDA Market and other affected areas. Obi’s impassioned plea, shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, underscores the delicate balance between enforcing legal standards and preserving human dignity. He cautioned that while the government may be legally justified in its actions, moral responsibility must not be overshadowed by strict adherence to the law.
Obi’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the demolitions, which have displaced traders and disrupted livelihoods in one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial hubs. The Trade Fair Complex, a sprawling economic nerve center in Lagos, has been a focal point of urban enforcement actions aimed at addressing illegal structures and ensuring compliance with regulations. However, the demolitions have sparked debates about the government’s methods and their socioeconomic impact on vulnerable populations.
A Test of Governance and Humanity
In his post, Obi framed the demolitions as more than just a legal exercise; he described them as a litmus test for governance, justice, and humanity. “The demolitions at the ASPAMDA Market and other affected areas represent a test of governance, justice, and humanity,” he wrote. For Obi, the situation is an opportunity for the Lagos State Government to demonstrate leadership that prioritizes empathy alongside law enforcement.
Obi argued that the law should serve as a tool for fostering order, peace, and the protection of human dignity, rather than as a weapon to inflict suffering. “The law must never be used to inflict undeserved pain or destroy livelihoods when less destructive remedies are available,” he asserted. His words reflect a deep concern for the traders whose businesses, built through years of toil and investment, now face ruin due to the demolitions.
Drawing from a personal experience abroad, Obi recounted an instance where a government opted for dialogue and legal remedies over abrupt demolitions. He suggested that the Lagos State Government could adopt similar approaches, such as engaging with affected traders to find mutually beneficial solutions. “Governments should prioritise legal remedies and dialogue over sudden demolitions that erase years of investment,” he noted, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement rather than heavy-handed enforcement.
A Call for Proportionality and Compassion
Obi’s critique of the demolitions was grounded in the principle of proportionality. He likened the government’s actions to “punishing a man who stole a bicycle with death instead of imprisonment.” This vivid analogy underscores his belief that the demolitions, while perhaps legally defensible, are grossly disproportionate to the infractions they seek to address. For Obi, such actions risk alienating the very citizens the government is meant to serve.
“Governance must balance law with compassion,” Obi declared. “A government should not pride itself on being legally correct if, in the process, it becomes morally wrong. Justice, to be just, must be tempered with mercy.” His words resonate with a broader call for ethical governance, where the exercise of power is guided by empathy and fairness, particularly toward the vulnerable.
Obi’s appeal is particularly poignant given the socioeconomic context of the Trade Fair Complex. The ASPAMDA Market, a key component of the complex, is a vital hub for small and medium-scale traders who rely on their businesses to support their families. The sudden loss of their trading spaces threatens not only their livelihoods but also the economic stability of their communities. Obi’s emphasis on compassion reflects an understanding of the ripple effects that such demolitions can have on the social fabric.
The Government’s Defense
The Lagos State Government, through its Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has defended the demolition exercise, arguing that it is both constitutional and necessary. Omotoso emphasized that the government had provided affected traders with ample opportunity to regularize their documents, including a general amnesty declared in 2024. He dismissed Obi’s comments as “emotional theatrics,” asserting that the demolitions were critical for restoring order and ensuring safety in the Trade Fair Complex.
Omotoso’s defense highlights the government’s perspective that the demolitions are part of a broader effort to enforce urban planning regulations and address illegal structures. According to the commissioner, the affected traders had been given sufficient notice to comply with regulations, and the demolitions were a last resort to ensure compliance. He argued that the government’s actions were in line with its mandate to maintain order and protect public safety.
However, Obi countered this narrative by emphasizing that true leadership is measured by how power is wielded, particularly over the most vulnerable members of society. “These demolitions are a test of our collective humanity and compassion. Power must always be exercised with empathy,” he stated. His words challenge the government to reconsider its approach and prioritize the well-being of its citizens over rigid legalism.
The Broader Implications
The ongoing demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex raise broader questions about urban development, governance, and social justice in Nigeria. Lagos, as the country’s economic powerhouse, faces immense pressure to manage its rapidly growing population and urban sprawl. The need to enforce regulations and maintain order is undeniable, but the manner in which these goals are pursued can have profound consequences for the city’s residents.
Obi’s intervention highlights the tension between development and human welfare. While urban renewal and regulatory compliance are essential for sustainable growth, they must not come at the expense of the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. His call for dialogue and less destructive remedies aligns with global best practices in urban governance, where governments engage with communities to find solutions that balance development goals with social equity.
Moreover, Obi’s appeal resonates with a growing demand for accountable and compassionate governance in Nigeria. The demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex are not an isolated incident; similar exercises across the country have sparked protests and accusations of insensitivity. By advocating for a humane approach, Obi is contributing to a broader discourse on how governments can uphold the law without sacrificing the dignity of their citizens.
A Path Forward
To address the concerns raised by Obi and other critics, the Lagos State Government could consider several measures. First, it could engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected traders to explore alternative solutions, such as relocation assistance or temporary trading spaces. Such measures would demonstrate a commitment to balancing enforcement with compassion.
Second, the government could invest in public awareness campaigns to educate traders and other stakeholders about regulatory requirements. By providing clear guidelines and support for compliance, the government could reduce the need for demolitions and foster a culture of cooperation.
Finally, the government could establish a compensation or rehabilitation fund for traders who have lost their livelihoods due to the demolitions. Such a fund would provide a safety net for affected individuals and signal the government’s commitment to social justice.
Conclusion
Peter Obi’s appeal to the Lagos State Government reflects a broader call for governance that prioritizes humanity alongside legality. His critique of the demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex underscores the need for proportionality, empathy, and dialogue in urban enforcement. While the government defends its actions as necessary for order and safety, Obi’s words serve as a reminder that true leadership is measured by its impact on the most vulnerable.
As Lagos continues to navigate the challenges of urbanization, the debate over the demolitions highlights the importance of balancing development with social equity. By adopting a more compassionate approach, the government can uphold the law while preserving the dignity and livelihoods of its citizens. Obi’s intervention is a timely call to action, urging leaders to govern with both justice and mercy.
