Ndibe Obi, younger brother of 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and majority shareholder of Next Foods Ltd, has initiated legal action following the demolition of his commercial property in Ikeja, Lagos.
The company’s legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emeka Okpoko, confirmed that court processes have commenced to challenge the demolition carried out in June 2025.
Okpoko revealed the legal strategy includes multiple applications: seeking to join parties to the case, setting aside the judgment that authorised the demolition, staying further execution, and requesting an injunction pending the hearing of the substantive matter.
The legal team also aims to convert the originating summons into pleadings to allow proper defence from both sides.
According to court documents, the disputed property was purchased in 2011 with the Lagos State Governor’s consent obtained in 2012.
Okpoko emphasised the property had no prior issues until the recent demolition, noting the judgment authorising the action was delivered in 2024 but only executed 18 months later, well beyond the six-month window required for such enforcement.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has condemned the demolition, calling it unjust. However, Lagos State Government officials have denied involvement by any state agencies in the demolition exercise.
Legal observers note this case highlights growing tensions between property rights and urban development policies in Lagos, with the outcome potentially setting important precedents for similar disputes. The court is expected to hear the applications in the coming weeks as both parties prepare their arguments.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
