Roberta Edu, the Chief Executive Officer of Moppet Baby Food, has strongly condemned what she described as the “demolition spirit” of Lagos State government agencies, accusing them of carrying out property demolitions with “reckless impunity” and a sense of “tribal relish.”
Speaking on the recent wave of demolitions across the state, Edu expressed deep concern over what she sees as the government’s penchant for destruction.
“One thing I truly dislike about Lagos, and I believe it urgently needs attention, is the demolition spirit that seems to possess its agencies,” she said. “There’s a disturbing mix of destruction and pride. I’m always taken aback by how Lagos State government agencies demolish people’s properties with the faintest excuse.”
Edu criticised the approach as heavy-handed and often counterproductive, alleging that agencies boast about the demolitions as though it were a “funfair.”
“You’d think it’s all about law and order until it affects you,” she continued. “They claim the houses are on the waterline or close to a canal, only to demolish the buildings and leave the canal untouched, while the flooding persists.”
The business leader contrasted Lagos’ practices with approaches in other countries, citing examples from China where, she said, properties exist beside waterways without obstructing their flow.
“In Lagos, they combine incompetence with flimsy excuses, demolishing homes while leaving key structures — but the canal they will not repair. The flooding continues for years, yet they carry on demolishing as though it’s a solution,” she said.
Edu singled out the recent demolition of properties at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex as “an abominable act,” alleging it was “carried out by individuals drunk on power.”
“I took time to listen to both sides. The traders insist the properties belong to the Federal Government and therefore do not require Lagos State permits. Lagos State insists otherwise.
Even if the properties needed state permits, instead of taking legal action or sealing the premises until the proper documentation is provided, they brought in bulldozers and flattened the place. It’s heartbreaking. It’s absurd.”
She urged political leaders and public agencies to respect the rule of law and to end what she described as the misuse of power.
“If we truly want to grow as a nation, we must outgrow impunity. Political office holders and their agents must operate within the law. Lagos is supposed to be a model state — it should act like the big sister and set a positive example for others.”
Edu’s comments come amid growing public debate over the state’s demolition policy, which officials say targets illegal structures obstructing drainage systems and causing urban flooding. Critics, however, argue that the demolitions often displace residents and traders without providing long-term solutions to the city’s infrastructure challenges.
