The Igbo National Union Worldwide (INU-W) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing demolition of Igbo-owned properties and businesses in Lagos. The group warned that the continued silence of national and regional leaders could fuel ethnic tension if the matter is not swiftly resolved.

In a statement signed by Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, Administrative Secretary of the union, INU-W expressed anger over what it described as the targeting of Igbo economic interests under the guise of urban renewal and environmental enforcement. The group accused the Lagos State Government of implementing policies that disproportionately affect Igbo entrepreneurs, claiming that such actions threaten peace and coexistence.

According to the statement, many Igbo-owned properties have been destroyed in recent demolition exercises, leaving several business owners devastated. INU-W insisted that the Federal Government and Yoruba leaders must not remain indifferent, warning that their silence “emboldens discrimination” and could harm Nigeria’s fragile unity.

The union also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately by calling Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other influential Yoruba figures to order. It stressed that Igbos are legitimate stakeholders in Lagos, having contributed significantly to the state’s commercial, infrastructural, and cultural development. INU-W further demanded that the Lagos State Government engage affected property owners in dialogue within 30 days, to avoid potential unrest.

“The government must retrace its steps and hold meaningful discussions with victims,” the union said, adding that failure to act within the deadline might compel it to “take lawful steps” to defend the rights and economic survival of the Igbo community. The group concluded by warning that no ethnic group has a monopoly on peace or power, emphasizing that Igbos would not tolerate continued marginalization or displacement.