Igbo Town union petitions UN over Lagos property demolitions

The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has escalated its complaints to the international arena over demolition of Lagos properties, submitting petitions to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice

The group cited what it called the “systematic demolition” of properties belonging to Igbo traders and investors in Lagos State.

Speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, ASITU National President Chief Emeka Diwe condemned the repeated targeting of Igbo-owned businesses, describing the actions as “economic cleansing.”

Diwe warned that Nigeria is “gradually succumbing to the cancer of ethnic discrimination and selective justice,” criticizing government agencies for failing to ensure fairness and equality.

Joined by members of ASITU’s national executive council representing Igbo communities nationwide, Diwe explained that the international petition came after several unsuccessful attempts to engage Nigerian authorities.

“We have not lost faith in our institutions, but repeated disregard for our documented complaints has forced us to seek intervention from regional and international bodies,” he said.

The ASITU president dismissed the Lagos State Government’s claim that the demolished structures were built on waterways, calling it a “misleading justification” that conceals ethnic bias.

“These properties were lawfully acquired and approved by the relevant agencies. Their demolition sends a chilling message to investors: property rights in Nigeria are insecure, and ethnicity appears to influence how justice is applied,” Diwe said.

He stressed that destroying legitimate businesses not only deters investment but also undermines job creation, economic growth, and Nigeria’s reputation as a nation committed to the rule of law.

According to ASITU, most demolition notices were issued only days before enforcement, denying owners sufficient time to pursue legal remedies. The group also accused authorities of ignoring valid approval documents submitted by affected traders.

“Many of these buildings had permits issued by the very Lagos State Government that later demolished them. This is not law enforcement—it is the targeted erasure of livelihoods and a breach of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice,” Diwe asserted.

Urging affected individuals to remain calm and law-abiding, ASITU encouraged Igbo entrepreneurs to invest in the South-East to strengthen economic independence.

“To our brothers and sisters in business, do not lose hope. Let us embrace the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo—let wealth return home,” Diwe advised. “Investing in our homeland creates jobs, security, and dignity for our people.”

He emphasized that ASITU’s demand is not for secession but for justice, fairness, and equitable treatment for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.