UNIEC CONDEMNS THE DESTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION OF IGBO PROPERTIES AND BUSINESSES IN LAGOS

PRESS STATEMENT

FROM THE UNITED IGBO ELDERS CONGRESS WORLDWIDE (UNIEC)

DATE: Monday, October 27, 2025

UNIEC CONDEMNS THE DESTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION OF IGBO PROPERTIES AND BUSINESSES IN LAGOS

The United Igbo Elders Congress Worldwide (UNIEC) has received with deep shock and grave concern the disturbing reports of the ongoing destruction, demolition, and unlawful confiscation of Igbo-owned properties and businesses in Lagos State.

UNIEC, as the apex body representing the collective conscience and voice of Igbo elders across the globe, strongly condemns these acts of targeted economic aggression against innocent citizens whose only “crime” is their hard work, enterprise, and visible contribution to the socio-economic development of Lagos and Nigeria at large.

For decades, the Igbo people have been integral to the growth and transformation of Lagos into a global megacity. From commerce to construction, from manufacturing to technology, the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit has helped shape the very foundation of modern Lagos. To now witness the systematic demolition of their properties—often without due notice, compensation, or adherence to the rule of law—is both inhumane and unacceptable.

UNIEC warns that such actions not only violate the constitutional rights of citizens to own and enjoy property anywhere in Nigeria, but also threaten the fragile fabric of national unity and coexistence. Nigeria cannot build peace while tearing down the pillars of trust and equity that bind her people together.

We therefore demand the following:

An immediate halt to all demolition exercises targeting privately owned properties and businesses in Lagos, especially those belonging to Igbo citizens.

An independent investigative panel to ascertain the legality, motives, and processes behind the demolitions.

Adequate compensation for victims whose properties have been unlawfully destroyed.

Public assurance from the Lagos State Government that no ethnic group shall henceforth be discriminated against in matters of property ownership, business operations, or urban development.

UNIEC calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a son of Lagos and father of the nation, to intervene swiftly and ensure that justice, fairness, and national cohesion prevail. The Igbos are not strangers in Nigeria—they are builders, contributors, and partners in progress.

We also urge our people to remain calm, law-abiding, and united in the face of provocation, while UNIEC pursues every lawful and diplomatic avenue to protect their interests.

Let it be known that an injury to one Igbo man is an injury to all.

Signed:

Ambassador Dr. Obiora Odumah - Chairman, Board of Trustees, UNIEC

H. E. Pastor Michael Obierika - Secretary, Board of Trustees, UNIEC

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