Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a warning to Igbos in Lagos State who are building structures without permission.
He announced at a news conference that he had discovered that the land acquisition laws were broken by every house that was demolished.
According to Iwuanyanwu, Ohanaeze might have trouble defending Igbos who disobey Lagos building laws.
He said:
“On the demolition of houses of Igbos, the information I have from the government is that some of the houses are built on roads and drainage lines.
“We have to obey the laws of the land. Apply for approval from the government agency. Then you can be rest assured that Ohanaeze will defend you.
“But if you go on to build on drainage lines, and roads, you failed to abide by the law of the land and did not get approvals, it will be difficult to support you in any way.”
Iwuanyanwu also no stated that Igbos are “the pioneers” and “heroes” of modern Lagos State.
He said:
“When Lagos became the federal capital, the development of such territory was a challenge in all countries.
“The Igbo forebearers, most of whom are dead today, rose to the challenge of that time.
“The challenge of that time was investment to make Lagos befitting as the federal capital territory. Igbos converted swampy lands to habitable places.”
