Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has responded firmly to claims made by Senator Victor Umeh regarding the recent Trade Fair Complex demolition, stressing that the operation was lawful, well-grounded in due process, and not in any way an attack on any ethnic group, particularly the Igbos.
Senator Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, had earlier criticized the Lagos State Government, describing the demolition exercise as “illegal” and beyond the state’s jurisdiction. During an appearance on Channels Television, he asserted that the Trade Fair Complex is a federal property, administered by the Federal Government through the Trade Fair Management Board, and therefore outside the control of Lagos authorities.
The senator said: “The country is governed by laws and the constitution. I’m disappointed that the Commissioner for Physical Planning in Lagos State came on air to justify an illegal action. The Trade Fair Complex is a federal establishment where the Lagos State Government moved in with heavy machinery to destroy people’s properties and investments without justification. Federal lands are managed by federal agencies, not state governments.”
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Reacting to the controversy via his official X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday, Tokunbo Wahab dismissed the senator’s allegations, clarifying that all actions taken by the Lagos State Government adhered strictly to the law. He emphasized that the demolition was not politically, regionally, or ethnically motivated, but part of an ongoing effort to restore environmental order and remove illegal structures within the state.
“When it comes to Lagos State, every Tom, Dick, and Harry has an opinion,” Wahab wrote. “Was it illegal when Gov. Alex Otti removed contraventions in Abia State? Was it also illegal when Gov. Soludo removed contraventions in Anambra? Here in Lagos, every of our actions is backed by the law, and we stand by it all.”
The commissioner explained that the demolished structures were found to have violated planning and safety regulations, occupying spaces meant for drainage, roads, and other public infrastructure. He noted that prior notices had been served to affected traders and property owners, urging compliance long before enforcement began.
Wahab added that the government remains committed to maintaining environmental discipline and urban order across the state, irrespective of the political or ethnic background of those involved. “No part of our operation was targeted at any ethnic group. The Lagos we envision is one where laws are respected and development follows the master plan,” he said.
He also reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s stance that Lagos is a home for all Nigerians and that fairness, equity, and lawful governance remain at the heart of every decision taken by the government.
“Our duty as a government is to protect lives, properties, and public infrastructure. It’s never about politics or ethnicity. Those who obey the law have nothing to fear,” Wahab added, reaffirming that similar actions will continue across the state where environmental or structural violations are found.
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When it comes to Lagos State, every Tom, Dick, and Harry have an opinion. Was it illegal when Gov. @alexottiofr removed contraventions in Abia State? Was it also illegal when Gov @CCSoludo also removed contraventions in Anambra?
Here in Lagos, every of our actions is backed by… https://t.co/aDsRo4HRgo
— Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab) October 6, 2025
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