A group of Nigerians living abroad has sent an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting his intervention in a dispute concerning the demolition of the WinHomes Estate in Okun Ajah, Lagos State.
The estate, developed by WinHomes Global Services Ltd, was allegedly demolished by officials from the Ministry of Works, led by Engr. David Umahi, without prior notice or compensation.
The petition, signed by Dr. Olubokun-Basorun, Engr. Femi Adekoya, Dr. Arinze Onwumelu, and Dr. Kimberly Stark, represents the concerns of the diaspora group, who expressed their shock and disappointment over the destruction of their properties.
According to the petitioners, they had undertaken proper due diligence, obtaining all necessary legal documents, including a certificate of occupancy, governor’s consent, and clearance from the coastal road right of way.
“We were blindsided when, without notice, officials from the Ministry of Works, under the supervision of Engr. David Umahi, launched an unprovoked attack on our investments, destroying our properties without any engagement or legal notification,” the letter stated.
The group raised concerns about the alleged corruption within the Ministry of Works, suggesting that the coastal road alignment was altered to benefit certain parties. They claim that residents of Ocean Bay Estate paid off ministry officials to divert the coastal road, thus avoiding demolition of their own properties and shifting the destruction onto the WinHomes Estate, which they say followed all legal procedures.
The petitioners further highlighted that despite providing evidence and appealing to the ministry to revert to the original road alignment, their requests were ignored. They allege that the ministry continued to defend the diversion of the coastal road and even disregarded ongoing legal cases challenging the actions.
On October 5, 2024, officials from the Ministry of Works, along with military personnel and Lagos State Taskforce members, reportedly stormed the site, demolishing the WinHomes properties, confiscating staff phones, and removing valuable construction materials, all under the claim of “orders from above.” The petitioners described the event as an unjust and vengeful attack.
The group also questioned why the Ministry of Works had previously agreed to follow the original 2006 coastal road alignment, only to later approve a diversion. They also refuted the ministry’s claim that MTN and 2Africa cables were in the Okun Ajah area, which they believe was used as justification for the diversion.
In their letter, the group called for President Tinubu’s intervention to address the injustice, hold the Ministry of Works accountable, and ensure compensation for their losses. They also urged a reversal of the coastal road alignment to its original path.
“The actions of the Ministry of Works are deeply troubling and warrant immediate investigation by the relevant authorities,” the petition stated. They also referenced a recent investigation by a presidential panel, which found that the diversion of the road had not considered expert environmental assessments, exacerbating local erosion issues.
“We implore you, Mr. President, to disregard the misleading claims that MTN and 2Africa cables passed through the original gazetted alignment, as these companies had also appealed for a return to the 2006 plan,” the petition concluded.
The group, representing the interests of Nigerian diasporans, has called for swift action to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens in the face of alleged illegal actions by public officials.
