Ibibio lament demolition of communal property in Lagos
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By Egufe Yafugborhi
Acquired through selfless sacrifices and collective labour of forebears, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (house ) has, for decades, been the umbrella of unity, resilience and progress of Ibibio-speaking people of Akwa Ibom State living in Lagos.
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Located at Rufai Close, Off Rufai Street, Ojuelegba, Surulere, the property housing the Secretariat and Community Centre for Ibibios in Lagos covers an expanse of 758.136 square meters.
Sadly, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Lagos is no more. The cherished property has been pulled down.
On Monday, November 3, bulldozers of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) moved in. They knocked the Center down and took over the land.
The demolition by LAMATA and subsequent takeover of Ibibio’s umbrella house in Lagos, has continued to raise tension back in Akwa Ibom State.
Source of pain
All over the world, wherever you can find them, the Ibibios, Akwa Ibom State majority ethnic group, are distraught about the development with the Lagos Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.
Akparawa Henry Okon, the High Commissioner, South-West, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, noted: “The demolition and forceful takeover of our cherished Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio property has caused deep shock, profound pain, and great sadness to Ibibios.”
Okon clarified: “The property is duly documented under Title No. M07300 at the Lagos State Lands Registry. This unfortunate development represents one of the darkest and most distressing moments in the history of the Ibibio nation and of our people living in Lagos.”
He added that the Center had “represented our community’s enduring contribution to the social, cultural, and civic fabric of the state — serving as a rallying point for all Akwa Ibom people.
“Within its walls, we celebrated our culture, held meetings, advanced charitable causes, and strengthened the bonds of friendship among Nigerians.
“Its destruction and forceful takeover are not mere physical acts; they amount to a direct assault on our collective identity, dignity, and heritage.
“What has been demolished and seized from us is not merely a building, but the living embodiment of our people’s history, pride, and enduring presence in Lagos.”
Failed amicable resolution
Okon affirmed that : “Despite our consistent and peaceful efforts to resolve this matter amicably, we have encountered persistent resistance, seemingly driven by ethnic prejudice and the prime value of the property’s location.
“To compound this injustice, for a property whose structure was valued at over N250 million more than 15 years ago, we understand that the Lagos State Government now proposes a paltry N11 million as compensation.
“Even more troubling, the demolition and occupation were executed without the conclusion of negotiations or any formal agreement.”
High emotions
According to Okon: “We cannot remain silent in the face of such a grave injustice. We condemn this act in the strongest possible terms, as a blatant display of discrimination and dispossession.
“Such conduct is unjust, provocative, and capable of sowing the seeds of ethnic resentment and avoidable conflict.
“It undermines national unity and violates the principles of equity, justice, and brotherhood that bind us as Nigerians. Let it be clearly understood: Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio is not seeking financial compensation.
“We are demanding justice and restoration. We appeal to the Lagos State Government to immediately provide a replacement property of equal or greater value — a fair and honourable remedy that restores the dignity of our people and preserves the proud legacy of our organisation.
“It is both painful and ironic that while groups from other ethnic nationalities, including our Yoruba brothers and sisters, live peacefully, own property, and conduct their affairs freely in Ibibioland and across Akwa Ibom State, enjoying full respect, protection, and hospitality, same courtesy has been denied the Ibibio people in Lagos.
“We reject this double standard. No people should ever be made to feel like strangers in their own country.”
Call For Govs Sanwo-Olu, Eno’s intervention
On the collective desire of all Ibibios at this point in time, Okon stressed that: “As sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State and proud citizens of Nigeria, we appeal to Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State; Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, indeed all Nigerians of conscience, justice, and goodwill, to stand against this injustice.
“We urge lovers of peace, human-rights advocates, and cultural institutions across the nation to join us in demanding the restoration of this priceless Ibibio landmark -a property that for decades, served as the spiritual, cultural, and administrative home of our people in Lagos.
“Let it be known that the spirit of the Ibibio cannot be demolished, displaced, or silenced. Our unity, pride, and heritage remain indestructible. We shall not be intimidated or broken. We shall continue to stand firm, speak the truth, and pursue justice with peace, honour, and unwavering faith in fairness.”
Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio ethnic nationality, has chapters spread across the world -in the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, South Africa, and in most states across Nigeria, including two chapters in Lagos: the Greater Lagos Chapter and the Ikorodu Chapter.
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