The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has taken its complaints over the demolition of Igbo-owned properties in Lagos State to the international stage, filing petitions with the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Speaking in Umuahia, Abia State, ASITU National President Chief Emeka Diwe decried the repeated targeting of Igbo businesses, calling it “economic cleansing” and a sign of deep-rooted ethnic discrimination.
“Nigeria is slowly being consumed by the cancer of selective justice and ethnic bias,” Diwe said, criticizing government agencies for failing to uphold fairness and equality in the treatment of property owners.
Joined by members of ASITU’s national executive council from across Igbo communities, Diwe explained that the international petition followed numerous failed attempts to resolve the matter with Nigerian authorities.
“We remain hopeful in our institutions, but after being ignored repeatedly, we have no choice but to seek intervention from regional and international bodies,” he said.
The ASITU president rejected Lagos State Government’s claim that the affected buildings were constructed on waterways, describing it as a “false pretext” to conceal ethnic prejudice.
“These properties were lawfully acquired and approved by the relevant authorities. Their demolition sends a dangerous message to investors: property rights are insecure, and ethnicity seems to determine how justice is applied,” Diwe added.
He warned that such actions threaten not only investment but also job creation, economic stability, and Nigeria’s global reputation as a country governed by law.
ASITU further alleged that most demolition notices were delivered only days before enforcement, leaving property owners little time to pursue legal recourse. Authorities also allegedly ignored valid approval documents submitted by affected traders.
“Many of these buildings had permits issued by the same Lagos State Government that later tore them down. This is not law enforcement—it is a deliberate attack on livelihoods and a violation of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice,” Diwe said.
While calling on those affected to remain calm and law-abiding, ASITU urged Igbo business owners to invest more in the South-East to strengthen economic independence.
“To our brothers and sisters in business, do not despair. Let us embrace the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo—let wealth return home. Investing in our homeland creates jobs, security, and dignity for our people,” Diwe said.
He stressed that the association’s appeal is not a call for secession but a demand for fairness, mutual respect, and equal treatment for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.