Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Carpets LASG Over Demolition Of Secretariat

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, a foremost
socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio ethnic nationality of Akwa Ibom State, has raised some concerns of ethnicity war against the Ibibios following what the organisation described as forceful demolition and taking over of its property by the Lagos State Government.

The President of the organisation, Akparawa James Edet pointed out in a statement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Wednesday, saying that the property which housed Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Secretariat and Community Centre was demolished by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), an agency of the Lagos State Government.

The property, located at Rufai Close, off Rufai Street, Ojuelegba, Surulere, covers an area of 758.136 square metres and is duly documented under Title No. M07300 at the Lagos State Lands Registry, Edet explained.

Describing the action by the Lagos State Government as an unfortunate development, Akparawa Edet noted that it is one of the darkest and most distressing moments in the history of the Ibibio Nation and of Ibibio people living in Lagos.

“It is with deep shock, profound pain and great sadness that we announce the demolition and forceful takeover of our cherished Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio property — which housed our Secretariat and Community Centre — by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), an agency of the Lagos State Government.

“The property, located at Rufai Close, off Rufai Street, Ojuelegba, Surulere, covers an area of 758.136 square metres and 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.

“This property, acquired through the selfless sacrifice and collective labour of our forebears, stood for decades as a proud symbol of Ibibio unity, resilience, and progress in Lagos. It 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.

“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, the 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.

“As sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State and proud citizens of Nigeria, we appeal to His Excellency, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State; and indeed to 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: 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,” the Mboho President stated.

Stating further, Akparawa Edet said, “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.

“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 ₦250 million more than 15 years ago, we understand that the Lagos State Government now proposes a paltry ₦11 million as compensation.

“Even more troubling, the demolition and occupation were executed without the conclusion of negotiations or any formal agreement.”

He added: “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. It is painfully evident that this action was carried out simply because the property belongs to a non-indigenous organisation.

According to Akparawa Edet, “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.

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio ethnic nationality, has chapters spread across the world — in the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa and in most states across Nigeria, including two vibrant chapters in Lagos State: the Greater Lagos Chapter and the Ikorodu Chapter.