Igbo Town Unions Petition UN, ECOWAS Court over Lagos Property Demolitions

…Accuse Nigeria of ethnic bias, selective justice

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 persistent demolition of shops and properties belonging to Igbo traders and investors in Lagos.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia, the National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, described the demolitions as “economic cleansing,” alleging that Nigeria was “dying slowly from the cancer of ethnic discrimination and selective justice.”

In company of other executive members drawn from various Igbo communities, Diwe explained that the decision to approach international bodies followed repeated but unsuccessful attempts to engage relevant Nigerian authorities.

“We have done this not because we lack faith in Nigerian institutions, but because those institutions have failed to address our documented grievances,” he said.

ASITU dismissed the Lagos State Government’s claim that the demolished structures were built on waterways, insisting that affected properties were legally acquired and duly approved.

“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 averred’.

The association further alleged that several demolition notices were issued only days before execution, denying property owners the opportunity to seek legal redress. It accused officials of disregarding valid documentation and approvals previously issued by the same government.

“Many of the destroyed buildings had authentic approvals from Lagos authorities. This is not law enforcement — it is the destruction of livelihoods and a gross violation of constitutional rights that should protect all Nigerians,” ASITU maintained.

While urging affected individuals to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the group appealed to the Igbo business community to redirect part of their investments to the South-East as a means of strengthening the region’s economic foundation.

“To our brothers and sisters in business, do not lose hope. Embrace the spirit of Aku Ruo Ulo — let wealth return home,” Diwe advised. “Build industries and invest in Igboland so our homeland can grow into an economic powerhouse that commands respect and security.”

He clarified that ASITU’s move was not a call for secession but a demand for justice, fairness, and equal treatment of all Nigerians, adding that their ultimate goal was to foster economic resilience, mutual respect, and national unity.