The Clash over Demolition: Winhomes vs. Minister of Works
A heated exchange has erupted between Stella Okengwu, CEO of Winhomes Global Services Limited, and David Umahi, the Minister of Works, concerning the demolition of a Winhomes estate in Okun Ajah, Lagos State. The controversy stems from Umahi’s public accusations against Winhomes, alleging tax evasion and encroachment on the right-of-way of the Lekki-Epe Deep Seaport road project. Okengwu vehemently denies these claims, asserting full compliance with tax obligations and presenting evidence of legitimate land ownership outside the designated right-of-way. This clash highlights the complexities of development projects, land ownership disputes, and the delicate balance between government authority and private investment.
Okengwu’s defense centers on the assertion that Winhomes has invested over ₦250 million in the estate and diligently fulfilled all tax requirements. She underscores the importance of due process and adherence to the rule of law, particularly in matters concerning property rights. Supporting her claims, Okengwu presented survey records and government approvals that purportedly demonstrate the estate’s location outside the official right-of-way of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, between Chainage 16 and 18. This documentation challenges the Minister’s assertion that the property was obstructing the road project and raises questions about the justification for the demolition.
The Minister of Works, during the inauguration of the Lekki-Epe Deep Seaport road, publicly questioned Winhomes’ tax compliance and accused the company of owning undeveloped land within the project’s right-of-way. Umahi challenged Okengwu to provide proof of tax payments and alluded to video evidence showing the absence of structures on the land prior to development. He further implied that Winhomes was attempting to exploit the situation by seeking compensation, dismissing these efforts as futile given the government’s determination to proceed with the project.
The demolition of the Winhomes estate has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process. Okengwu has called for a presidential investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for government actions to respect legal ownership and foster investor confidence. Her appeal to President Bola Tinubu requests a comprehensive review of the demolition, as well as the broader implementation of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. This call for presidential intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for property rights and investment in Nigeria.
The heart of the dispute lies in the conflicting narratives presented by Okengwu and Umahi. While the Minister points to alleged tax evasion and unauthorized land occupation, the CEO insists on full compliance with regulations and presents documentation supporting legitimate land ownership. This discrepancy necessitates a thorough investigation to determine the veracity of each party’s claims and ensure that due process was followed in the demolition of the Winhomes estate. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for both Winhomes and the broader investment climate in Nigeria.
The clash between Winhomes and the Minister of Works reveals the challenges inherent in balancing development projects with the protection of private property rights. It highlights the importance of transparent and accountable governance, particularly in matters involving land acquisition and demolition. The call for a presidential investigation underscores the need for an independent assessment of the situation to ensure fairness and uphold the rule of law. This case serves as a crucial test of the government’s commitment to protecting investor confidence and promoting a just and equitable environment for businesses in Nigeria. The resolution of this dispute will set a precedent for future land disputes and influence the dynamics between government authorities and private investors in the country.
