Peter Obi Allegedly Owns Over 200 Shops in Lagos Trade Fair Complex Demolished by Government – Senator Victor Umeh Claims

Story: written by Zara October 13,2025
Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, has revealed that former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, allegedly owns more than 200 shops in the Lagos Trade Fair Complex recently demolished by the Lagos State Government.

The demolition, which has sparked outrage among affected traders, was defended by Lagos authorities as part of an enforcement drive against structures said to have violated the state’s physical planning and development control laws.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, Senator Umeh condemned the demolition, insisting that it was unlawful and targeted. He also claimed that Obi was one of the early developers of the complex.

“Over 70 percent of the traders in that complex are people from our region. You can’t just intimidate or displace them without due process,” Umeh said. “Mr. Peter Obi is one of the original developers of the Trade Fair Complex. He owns a plaza there with over 200 shops, dating back to 1995, and he serves as a patron to many of the business associations operating in the area.”

According to Umeh, many of the affected traders reached out to Obi for help after the demolition, prompting the former governor to intervene.

“People contacted him because they were being treated unjustly. How can you accuse him of being provocative when the Lagos State Government acted outside the law?” the senator questioned.

Umeh further alleged that the demolished property did not belong to the Lagos State Government, describing the exercise as “illegal and carried out in bad faith.”

The demolition of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has continued to generate controversy, with stakeholders accusing the government of economic sabotage and disregard for property rights. Meanwhile, the state government maintains that the action was necessary to restore order and compliance with development regulations.