Igbo Town Unions Petition UN and ECOWAS Court Over Lagos Demolitions, Claim Ethnic Targeting
Story: written by Myra October 27,2025
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has escalated its opposition to the demolition of properties in Lagos by filing formal complaints with the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The body alleges that the ongoing destruction of structures belonging to Igbo traders and investors constitutes targeted discrimination.
Speaking during a press briefing in Umuahia, Abia State, ASITU National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, criticised what he called a pattern of “economic marginalisation” against the Igbo community. He argued that Nigeria is facing a deepening crisis of ethnic injustice and selective enforcement of the law.
Diwe explained that the international petitions were submitted after repeated efforts to engage Nigerian authorities yielded no meaningful response. He insisted that the affected buildings were legally acquired and approved by the competent regulatory agencies, dismissing the Lagos State Government’s claims that the structures obstruct waterways as an attempt to conceal ethnic bias.
He warned that demolishing legitimate investments erodes confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory environment, threatens business growth, and harms the country’s global reputation regarding respect for property rights and the rule of law.
ASITU further alleged that many demolition notices were issued only a short time before execution, depriving property owners the chance to seek redress through the courts. The group also accused officials of disregarding valid building approvals presented by the traders.
In his remarks, Diwe urged affected individuals to remain peaceful while encouraging Igbo entrepreneurs to channel investments into the South-East under the philosophy of “Aku Ruo Ulo,” which promotes local economic empowerment.
According to Diwe, the organisation is advocating not for division but for justice, equality, and fair treatment of all ethnic groups in Nigeria.
