Peter Obi demolition comment urges Lagos to temper legality with mercy over ASPAMDA demolitions, calling them morally wrong and harmful to livelihoods
Peter Obi demolition comment has sparked fresh debate over the ongoing razing of structures in Lagos State, particularly at the ASPAMDA Market in the Trade Fair Complex.
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The former presidential candidate criticised the Lagos State Government’s approach, stating that being legally correct is not a substitute for being morally right.
He expressed concern that the demolitions inflict “undeserved pain” and destroy livelihoods, especially when “less destructive remedies” could have been pursued.
Obi made the remarks via his official X handle on Tuesday, drawing parallels between the demolitions and disproportionate punishment.
“It is like punishing a man who stole a bicycle with death,” he said, describing the act as excessive and unjustified.
The Peter Obi demolition comment followed an earlier visit to the market site, where he labelled the action “a test of impunity, justice and compassion.”
In response, Lagos Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, defended the state’s actions, asserting the demolitions were constitutional and that traders were given multiple opportunities to regularise their documentation during a government amnesty.
But Obi argued that the law must serve humanity and not merely procedure. “Even if, for the sake of argument, some of the affected traders failed to obtain proper approvals, was demolition the only option?” he asked.
Calling on the government to temper law with empathy, he stressed that true justice must be delivered with mercy.
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“These demolitions are a test of our collective humanity, justice, and compassion,” Obi concluded.
