A sharp political row erupted on social media on Thursday after Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga accused Labour Party leader Peter Obi of spreading falsehood, following a rebuttal from the Lagos State Government over claims that it demolished a property belonging to Obi’s brother.

Onanuga, writing on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“Lagos state government exposes Peter Obi, as a pathological liar.”

Onanuga’s statement followed an official clarification issued by the Lagos State Government debunking Obi’s allegation that the state demolished his brother’s property in Ikeja for political reasons.

In the official statement issued by the Lagos state government and signed by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government denied any involvement in the reported demolition and expressed shock over Obi’s comments.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Government is compelled to address the recent allegations made by Mr. Peter Obi regarding the demolition of a property belonging to his brother. We wish to categorically state that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition.

“Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser, eGIS & Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, has confirmed that the agency was not involved in the demolition. We find it disturbing that Mr. Peter Obi would make such allegations without verifying the facts.”

The government’s statement further stressed that the LASBCA “was not involved in the demolition” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.

“We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws,” the statement continued. “Any individual or group found involved in such acts will be brought to justice.”

The Lagos State Government announced it had instructed Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, Permanent Secretary at the Office of Urban Development, to initiate a full investigation through LASBCA to determine what led to the demolition.

The strongly worded statement accused Obi of attempting to tarnish the state’s image and assured residents that the government remains dedicated to fairness and justice.

It said, “We urge the public to disregard Mr. Peter Obi’s claims and rest assured that the Lagos State Government will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in our great state. We will not be swayed by baseless allegations or attempts to discredit our efforts.”

Onanuga’s post quickly amplified the government’s position, describing Obi’s statements as not just misleading but reflective of a consistent pattern of dishonesty.

As of the time of reporting, Obi had yet to respond to either the government’s statement or Onanuga’s scathing remarks.

Melissa Enoch

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