Hundreds of traders, predominantly of Igbo origin, under the umbrella of the Trade Fair Stakeholders Association, staged a protest on yesterday over the demolition of their business premises at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, which they described as “willful, malicious, and illegal.”

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop destroying our properties,” “Our buildings are FG approved,” and “This complex is regulated by the Federal Government,” the aggrieved traders accused the Lagos State Government of flouting due process and acting beyond its powers.

Ekwutosblog had earlier reported that more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the complex were pulled down in a large-scale demolition exercise executed under heavy security.

The operation, supervised by officials of the state government, was backed by task force operatives, Rapid Response Squad personnel, and tactical teams who cordoned off the plaza and prevented traders from documenting the incident.

Speaking to journalists, Chief Eric Ilechukwu, Chairman of the Stakeholders’ Forum, alleged that state officials stormed the complex on September 25 “in commando style” and destroyed several structures without issuing any contravention notices.

He insisted that the demolished buildings were lawfully approved by the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, the statutory authority empowered by federal law to regulate activities within the complex.

“The lease agreements we signed clearly state that the Board is the approving and supervising authority for all constructions here. At no time were we served contravention notices,” Ilechukwu said.

The traders condemned the demolitions as a “grave injustice” that had displaced hundreds of business owners, causing enormous financial losses in an already difficult economy. They also dismissed comments by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, who claimed on national television that the affected traders had long been directed to obtain state approvals.

According to them, “the Trade Fair Complex is a federal property established by law and governed under the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board Act. Its ownership cannot be usurped by the state.”

Appealing for urgent intervention, the traders urged President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to step in, stressing that they remain committed to peace and lawful business operations.

One of the affected businessmen, Mr Ike Magnus, CEO of Magnum Merchandise Limited, said his flagship “white building” was demolished despite valid federal approvals.

“In all honesty, we are victims of when two elephants fight. I have lost millions. Even if we are part of the problem, due process should have been followed,” he said tearfully.

The Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board, Vera Safiya Ndanusa, who later addressed the protesting traders, sympathized with their plight and reaffirmed that the complex remains under federal control.

“It is unfortunate that we were not carried along before this incident. But I assure you that all relevant ministries and agencies have been notified. The property belongs to the Federal Government, and we intend to resolve this matter amicably,” Ndanusa stated.