Nigeria, Oct. 7 -- The Lagos State Government has defended the recent demolition of buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, saying the action was legal and backed by the Supreme Court's 2003 judgement.

According to the government, the Supreme Court judgement affirmed the state's authority over physical planning and development control within its territory, including on federal lands.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said in a statement on Tuesday that the complex, though managed by a federal board, remains under Lagos' jurisdiction for planning and building approvals.

"Trade Fair is not a sovereign community within Lagos State," Mr Wahab said. "The board, which is a creation of the Federal Go...