The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has formally filed a petition against the Lagos State government with the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
This action stems from the ongoing demolitions of shops and properties belonging to Igbo traders and investors in Lagos. Chief Emeka Diwe, the National President of ASITU, characterized these demolitions as an act of “economic cleansing” and expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating condition due to systemic ethnic discrimination and selective justice.
During a press conference attended by executive members from various Igbo communities, Diwe explained that the petition was deemed necessary after numerous attempts to engage with relevant Nigerian authorities yielded no satisfactory response. “We have taken this step not out of a lack of faith in Nigerian institutions, but rather because those institutions have failed to address our documented grievances,” he stated.
ASITU has rejected the Lagos State Government's assertion that the demolished structures were situated on waterways, asserting instead that the affected properties were legally acquired and properly approved. “Such actions convey a message to investors that property rights in Nigeria lack security and that governmental decisions may be influenced by ethnic considerations,” Diwe observed.
He emphasized that these actions undermine investor confidence, economic growth, job creation, and Nigeria's standing as a nation governed by the rule of law. The group claimed that many of the demolition notices were issued with insufficient time for property owners to seek legal recourse and accused officials of disregarding valid documentation presented by those affected.
“Numerous structures that were destroyed possessed valid approvals from the very Lagos State Government that subsequently demolished them. This is not an issue of lawful enforcement; it represents the obliteration of livelihoods and a violation of constitutional guarantees intended to protect all citizens of Nigeria,” ASITU articulated.
The association has urged affected property owners to maintain a peaceful and law-abiding stance, while also encouraging the Igbo community to reinvest a portion of their wealth in the South-East to fortify the region's economic foundation. “To the Igbo business community, do not be discouraged. Embrace the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo—let wealth return home,” Diwe advised. “It is imperative to establish industries and invest in Igboland so that our homeland may evolve into an economic powerhouse that commands respect and security.”
He further clarified that the group’s pursuit of justice is not motivated by a desire for secession, but rather aims at fostering economic resilience and promoting mutual respect, unity, and prosperity throughout Nigeria.