A video circulating on social media has reignited debate over land ownership, ethnicity, and urban development in Lagos. The footage shows a netizen reacting to the recent demolition of the Trade Fair complex, a site that has long served as a commercial hub for traders across the country.
In the video, the individual makes a controversial statement, claiming that Igbos living in Lagos are “immigrants” and asserting that the land they occupy will eventually be reclaimed. These remarks have quickly attracted attention online, drawing both criticism and support from various corners of social media.
The demolition of the Trade Fair building is part of ongoing urban renewal and redevelopment projects by Lagos State authorities. The government has argued that clearing certain areas will allow for better infrastructure, reduce congestion, and create space for modern commercial developments. However, reactions to these demolitions have often been mixed, with traders and local business owners expressing concerns about compensation, relocation, and disruption to their livelihoods.
Social media users have condemned the netizen’s comments as divisive, pointing out that Lagos is home to people from all over Nigeria, and that ethnic identity should not determine who has a right to live or do business in the city. Others, however, have used the video to reignite discussions about historical land disputes and migration patterns within the country.
Analysts say that while Lagos has always been a melting pot of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, such statements reflect lingering tensions about land ownership, urbanization, and the politics of space in Nigeria’s commercial capital. Experts emphasize the need for dialogue and understanding, warning that inflammatory statements online can escalate ethnic tensions and potentially spark real-world conflicts.
The Lagos State Government has not yet responded directly to the netizen’s claims, but officials have repeatedly emphasized that demolition projects are carried out in accordance with law and urban planning regulations, not ethnicity.
As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding discussions of ethnicity, land, and property in Nigeria. It also highlights the power of social media in shaping public perception and sparking debates about issues that affect millions of residents in the country’s largest city.
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