The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice over what it described as the “persistent and discriminatory demolition” of properties owned by Igbo traders and investors in Lagos State.

Addressing journalists, ASITU’s National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, condemned the demolitions as acts of “economic cleansing” and a violation of fundamental human rights.

“Nigeria is dying slowly from the cancer of ethnic discrimination and selective justice,”
— Chief Emeka Diwe, ASITU President.

Diwe explained that the association resorted to international legal and human rights bodies after repeated appeals to Nigerian authorities failed to produce results.

“We have done this not because we lack faith in Nigerian institutions, but because those institutions have failed to address our documented grievances,” he added.

ASITU dismissed the Lagos State Government’s justification that the demolished buildings were erected on waterways, insisting that affected properties were legally acquired and had valid government approvals.

The group said the demolitions have sent a dangerous signal to local and foreign investors that property rights in Nigeria are insecure and that ethnic bias may influence government policy.

“This undermines investor confidence, job creation, and the rule of law,” ASITU stated.

According to the petition, many demolition notices were issued just days before execution, denying property owners the chance to challenge the actions in court. The group accused officials of ignoring valid approvals presented by owners.

Calling for calm, ASITU urged Igbo traders to remain law-abiding while advocating for economic reinvestment in the Southeast through the “Aku Ruo Ulo” philosophy — meaning “let wealth return home.”

“To the Igbo business community, do not be discouraged. Build industries and invest in Igboland so that our homeland becomes an economic powerhouse that commands respect and security,” Diwe advised.

He clarified that the group’s move was not a call for secession, but a demand for fairness, justice, and equal protection under Nigerian and international law.

ASITU’s petition marks one of the most coordinated efforts by Igbo socio-economic groups to seek international redress over alleged targeted economic actions against their members in Lagos.