Ohanaeze Youths Condemn Demolition of Peter Obi’s Brother’s Property, Demand Justice and Compensation

 

Tensions have continued to mount following the demolition of a building owned by the younger brother of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, with strong reactions pouring in from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide. The group has openly condemned the action, describing it as a dangerous display of lawlessness and a fresh reminder of systemic injustice against the Igbo people in Nigeria.

The incident, which came to public attention after Peter Obi himself disclosed the demolition via his social media accounts, has stirred widespread concern. He revealed that the property was brought down without any prior warning, legal notification, or court ruling. According to him, the entire process was carried out with total disregard for lawful procedure and constituted a severe setback for investor confidence in the country.

Reacting swiftly, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, voiced the council’s deep disapproval. He questioned the actions of the Lagos State authorities and demanded an immediate and transparent explanation to clarify the events leading to the demolition.

Okwu raised a fundamental concern about the rule of law and the dangers of allowing state institutions to bypass judicial processes. He stated that no individual or government has the right to act above the law, especially in a democratic nation. According to him, when state actors begin to demolish properties without legal backing or notifying the concerned parties, it sets a perilous precedent that can lead to chaos and erosion of public trust.

He further criticized what he described as a rising culture of political intimidation, stating, “Peter Obi’s desire to run for president is constitutionally protected. No Nigerian should be punished or targeted for exercising their democratic rights. What has happened to his family is unacceptable, and it reflects a deeper problem of political intolerance.”

The group emphasized that the property in question had not been tied to any legal dispute and that its owner was never made aware of any pending litigation or order concerning the land or structure. This, they argued, makes the act even more troubling and raises questions about selective enforcement and targeted victimization.

Mazi Okwu did not mince words in expressing his frustration with what he described as a calculated move to suppress and marginalize Ndigbo within the Nigerian federation. “This is not just about a building; this is about the larger pattern of injustice meted out to our people. We have endured marginalization in various forms and settings, and this incident serves as another painful reminder,” he added.

He challenged the Lagos State Government to uphold its responsibility to treat all Nigerians equally, irrespective of their ethnic background or political affiliation. According to him, Lagos is part of Nigeria and should reflect the principles of fairness, justice, and unity.

“If any person is believed to have violated the law, there are appropriate legal channels to address such matters. But when government institutions start demolishing private property without court oversight, what protection remains for ordinary citizens?” Okwu asked.

The youth leader concluded by insisting that the government must provide adequate compensation to the victim and issue a public apology. He warned that brushing the issue aside would only deepen mistrust among the people and escalate already existing ethnic tensions.

The development has stirred debate across the country, with many Nigerians calling for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of land and property disputes. Several civil society groups have also echoed the call for justice, describing the demolition as an abuse of power and a violation of fundamental human rights.

For now, all eyes remain on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration, with pressure mounting to break the silence and provide clarity. The outcome of this controversy could set the tone for future conversations about governance, justice, and the protection of citizen rights in Nigeria’s diverse and often divided society.