By Emeka Blast 
Lagos Demolition: Peter Obi’s Brother Seeks Legal Redress
Ndibe Obi, younger brother of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has initiated legal action to challenge the demolition of a property owned by his company, Next Foods Limited, in Ikeja, Lagos. The controversial demolition, which began on June 23, 2025, has sparked a heated dispute, with Peter Obi alleging it was carried out without a valid court order, while the Lagos State Government denies involvement and has ordered a probe.
Demolition Sparks Outrage
Peter Obi took to his verified X account on Tuesday, June 24, to decry the demolition of his brother’s property at 57 Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja GRA, describing it as an act of “coordinated lawlessness and impunity.” He claimed that his brother, who had just arrived from Port Harcourt, was denied access to the site by security personnel who informed him that the building, owned by Next Foods Limited for over 15 years, was being torn down. Obi said he rushed to Lagos from Abuja but was also barred from entering the site, where he waited from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. without receiving clarity on who ordered the demolition. “They showed a court judgment against ‘unknown persons’ and squatters, with no demolition order or permit,” Obi stated, questioning the legality of the process.
Legal Battle Begins
On Thursday, Ndibe Obi’s legal team, led by Chief Emeka Okpoko, SAN, announced that Next Foods Limited had filed court applications to challenge the demolition. Speaking to journalists at the State High Court in Awka, Okpoko outlined multiple legal steps, including motions to join the case as a party, set aside the judgment, stay further execution, and seek an injunction pending a full hearing. “The property was purchased in 2011, with a deed of assignment registered and the Governor’s consent obtained in 2013,” Okpoko said, asserting that the company’s title is valid and traceable to the Western Nigeria land registry. He criticized the opposing claim by Deborah Olorunlogbon, who secured a 2024 court judgment for possession against “unknown persons,” as legally defective, arguing that a registered company cannot be served via substituted service.
Lagos Government Denies Involvement
The Lagos State Government, in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, categorically denied any role in the demolition, calling Obi’s allegations “disturbing and without facts.” Omotoso said neither the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) nor any state agency was involved, a stance backed by Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS and Urban Development. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a full investigation by LASBCA, led by Permanent Secretary Arc. Gbolahan Oki, to uncover the circumstances and identify those responsible. “We will not tolerate lawlessness,” Omotoso emphasized, urging the public to disregard Obi’s claims.
Opposing Claims and Legal Dispute
Court documents obtained by The Eagle Online reveal that the demolition was executed by court bailiffs in favor of Olorunlogbon, who filed Suit No: ID/4378LM/2023 for possession, alleging that “squatters” occupied her land. The judgment, delivered in 2024, was served via substituted service, a process Okpoko argues is invalid for Next Foods Limited, a registered entity. Olorunlogbon claims a Federal Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from 2021, but Okpoko contends that Next Foods’ 2013 state-issued C of O takes precedence, as federal titles cannot override valid state consents in Ikeja GRA.
Barrister Mayomi Afekuha, a legal activist, criticized Peter Obi for what he called an “emotional social media campaign” to sway public opinion on a sub judice matter, arguing that Olorunlogbon’s judgment and C of O affirm her ownership. “Obi should contest this in court, not on Instagram,” Afekuha said, warning against undermining judicial authority.
Public and Political Reactions
The incident has fueled intense debate on X, with users like @Oserume1 noting that Obi did not directly accuse the state government, questioning its swift denial. “Nobody called your name, but you jumped out,” they posted, suggesting guilt. Others, like @DefiWhizKidd, expressed hope for a fair legal resolution, while @Timmynaijaa highlighted broader concerns about Nigeria’s judiciary. Obi framed the demolition as part of Nigeria’s “lawless” reputation, citing a conversation with an investor who avoids the country due to such incidents, underscoring the impact on business confidence.
As Ndibe Obi’s legal battle unfolds, the case has spotlighted issues of property rights, judicial transparency, and governance in Nigeria. With LASBCA’s investigation underway and court proceedings looming, the outcome will likely shape public trust in the rule of law in Lagos and beyond.
