The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has petitioned the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over what it describes as a systematic and targeted demolition of Igbo-owned properties in Lagos State.
In a press statement issued on February 15, 2025, and signed by its National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, ASITU condemned the recent demolition of trading plazas at Ebute Ero Market on Friday, February 14, 2025. The organization described the demolitions as an assault on justice and equality, claiming they amount to the expropriation of Igbo businesses in Lagos.
“These demolitions are not just about destroying structures; they are targeted attacks on the rights of our people,”
“These properties were lawfully acquired and authorized by the same government now destroying them. This anti-Igbo campaign is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated anymore.” the statement read
ASITU accused the Lagos State Government of engaging in selective demolitions under questionable pretexts, disproportionately targeting properties owned by Igbo people.
According to Chief Diwe, the demolitions echo historical injustices and are reminiscent of the marginalization that the Igbo have faced in Nigeria.
In response to what it calls a failure of domestic institutions to protect the rights of Igbo people, ASITU says it has submitted formal petitions to international bodies. These include the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The association said it also reached out to global watchdogs like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, urging them to document these acts and bring global attention to the plight of the Igbo in Lagos.
Chief Diwe emphasized that this is not merely a legal issue but a broader struggle for justice, dignity, and equality.
“This is a fight for our rights as citizens of Nigeria. We are calling on the international community to hold Lagos State accountable and put an end to these discriminatory actions,” he said.
In addition to its petitions, ASITU also renewed its call for Ndigbo in the diaspora to support the “Aku Ruo Ulo” initiative.
According to the group the “Aku Ruo Ulo” encourages Igbo people to repatriate their investments to Igboland, aiming to transform the region into a center of economic prosperity and development.
“We must strengthen our homeland while standing up for our rights elsewhere. Igboland has the potential to become an oasis of prosperity in Nigeria,” Diwe stated.
The group also stressed the importance of unity within the Igbo community to confront these challenges.
“Our collective voice and actions are key to achieving justice. We must remain resilient and united in this struggle,” the ASITU president added.
ASITU’s Director of Advocacy, Barrister Ifeanyi Okonkwo, noted that the demolitions violate property rights and constitute ethnic discrimination.
“The international community must act swiftly to address these human rights violations,” he said.
The association’s Director of External Relations, Chief Nkem Anozie, called the move a significant step towards globalizing the struggle against systemic injustices in Nigeria.
“We trust the world will not ignore this blatant discrimination. The time for action is now,” he remarked.