Igbo union gives Lagos, Nigerian govt 30-day ultimatum over demolition of Igbo-owned properties
The Igbo National Union Worldwide, INU-W, has expressed deep concern over what it described as the continued demolition of Igbo-owned properties and businesses in Lagos State, faulting both the Federal Government and prominent Yoruba leaders for maintaining silence on the issue.
In a statement signed by its Administrative Secretary, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, the union warned that the ongoing demolitions, coupled with what it termed the indifference of federal authorities, could undermine national harmony and ignite ethnic tension if not urgently addressed.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Lagos State Government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other influential Yoruba figures to order, insisting that targeting the economic interests of the Igbo community in Lagos could have far-reaching consequences.
According to INU-W, recent demolition exercises carried out by the state government have disproportionately affected businesses and properties owned by Igbo entrepreneurs, raising fears of ethnic bias.
The union accused the Lagos State Government of pursuing a “dangerous agenda” aimed at economically displacing Igbos and frustrating their contributions to Lagos’ growth.
“The recent wave of demolitions has caused anguish and despair among Ndigbo living in Lagos. These actions, carried out under various guises, are viewed as deliberate attempts to weaken our people economically.
“The continued silence from the Federal Government and Yoruba leaders only emboldens this troubling trend,” the statement read in part.
INU-W called on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure the immediate cessation of what it called “lopsided and discriminatory demolitions,” stressing that Igbos are legitimate stakeholders in Lagos and have contributed immensely to its commercial and infrastructural development.
The group also issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Lagos State Government to engage in dialogue with affected property owners and reach an amicable settlement to prevent a possible escalation of hostilities.
“The Lagos State Government must retrace its steps and open genuine discussions with victims of these demolitions within 30 days. Failure to do so may compel us to take appropriate and lawful steps in defence of our people’s dignity and economic survival,” the statement added.
The Union also cautioned that no ethnic group holds a monopoly on peace or power, warning that sustained hostility against Igbos could provoke avoidable confrontation.
“We remind the Yoruba nation that the Igbo have survived far worse challenges in history, including the economic blockade and deprivation during the civil war. We will not be driven out of Lagos unjustly, but if the situation persists, we are prepared to respond decisively,” it said.
