The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice over the continued demolition of shops and properties belonging to Igbo traders and investors in Lagos State.
Addressing journalists, ASITU’s National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, described the demolitions as “economic cleansing,” accusing the Lagos State Government of engaging in acts that amount to ethnic discrimination and selective justice.
“Nigeria is dying slowly from the cancer of ethnic discrimination and selective justice,” Diwe lamented, flanked by executive members from various Igbo communities.
He said the decision to approach international bodies followed the failure of Nigerian authorities to respond to the group’s repeated petitions. “We have done this not because we lack faith in Nigerian institutions, but because those institutions have failed to address our documented grievances,” he added.
ASITU rejected the state government’s claim that the demolished structures were built on waterways, insisting that the affected properties were legally acquired and had valid approvals.
“They send a message to investors that property rights in Nigeria are not secure and that ethnic sentiments may influence government actions. This undermines investor confidence, economic growth, job creation, and Nigeria’s reputation as a country governed by the rule of law,” Diwe stated.
The group also alleged that many demolition notices were issued at very short notice, denying property owners the opportunity to seek legal redress, while valid approvals were ignored by state officials.
“Many of the demolished buildings had valid approvals from the same Lagos State Government that later destroyed them. This is not law enforcement; it is the erasure of livelihoods and a violation of constitutional guarantees meant to protect all Nigerians,” ASITU declared.
While urging affected persons to remain calm and law-abiding, Diwe encouraged Igbo investors to channel part of their wealth to the South-East in line with the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo (“Let wealth return home”).
“To the Igbo business community, do not be discouraged. Build industries and invest in Igboland so that our homeland becomes an economic powerhouse that commands respect and security,” he said.
He emphasized that ASITU’s petition was not an act of secessionist agitation but a call for justice, fairness, and mutual respect. “Our demand is about building economic resilience and promoting unity and prosperity across Nigeria,” Diwe concluded.