Homeowners whose properties were demolished at WinHomes Global Estate in Okun Ajah, Lagos State, by the Federal Ministry of Works, have called on the House of Representatives to investigate the circumstances surrounding the demolition.
It was learnt from a petition dated October 14, 2024, addressed to the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, that buildings worth millions of naira, mostly owned by Nigerians in the diaspora, were demolished despite not violating any regulations.
Residents of the community had expressed concerns over what they described as the illegal diversion of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Expressway through their area by certain government officials.
The community further argued that the officials erroneously claimed the diversion was necessary due to the presence of telecommunications cables.
The ministry, however, through Orji Orji, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said when contacted for a response that there was nothing to address regarding the issue.
“Such complaints should officially be channelled for an appropriate response. We can’t react to anything,” Orji had said.
In the petition signed by Stella Okengwu, Femi Adekoya, Olawale Oluwa, Oluseyi Ladipo, and Patrick Ndubuisi, the aggrieved investors called on the House Committee on Works to investigate the matter and hold those responsible for the violation accountable.
The petition partly read, “One justification provided by the Hon. Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the diversion affecting our property was to protect an MTN cable hub.
“However, this cable hub is not located at our estate or close to Okun Ajah; it is approximately seven kilometres away, located at Okun Mopo.
“We respectfully urge the Chairman of the Committee on Works, Federal House of Representatives, to investigate these allegations and the illegal actions taken by the Federal Controller of Works, legal documents approved by the Lagos State Government concerning the aforementioned property.”
Speaking on Wednesday about the call for an investigation, Adekoya, one of the affected investors, expressed frustration, stating that the demolition of the estate was causing hardship for its members.
“We are deeply concerned about the illegal actions of the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Controller of Works.
“The road diversion has brought immense hardship to our community, and we demand justice,” Adekoya said.
The first phase of the Calabar Highway’s construction, which spanned 47.7 km in Lagos State and started at Ahmadu Bello Way, officially started in March 2024.
According to earlier statements by the Federal Government, the entire 700-kilometre highway is anticipated to be finished in eight years, with several sections starting at the same time when procurement, approvals, and other required procedures are completed.
Credit: Punch
