A significant development has emerged in the real estate sector as a major investor has condemned the recent demolition of WinHomes Global Estate, a project valued at $250 million. Stella Okengwu, who is spearheading investment initiatives among diasporans, expressed her outrage at a press briefing in Lagos State, suggesting that the demolition was a purposeful action orchestrated by the Minister of Works.
Okengwu highlighted the negative impact of the illegal diversion in the Okun Ajah area, which she claims primarily affects property owners living abroad. “All properties within WinHomes Global Estate were demolished following a directive from the Minister of Works,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue.
She convened the press conference to bring to light what she describes as misleading claims regarding the coastal road alignment, which deviates from the previously authorized route established in a 2006 gazette under former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, now President of Nigeria.
Reacting to the current political climate, Okengwu noted her decision to respond positively to Tinubu’s call for diaspora engagement in national development following his inauguration on May 29, 2023. Together with partners, she aimed to contribute toward the economic goals of the administration by acquiring significant land for development.
However, Okengwu’s optimistic endeavors have been overshadowed by the recent actions of the Minister of Works, which have left many diasporan investors distressed. They are urging immediate intervention from President Tinubu and a formal investigation into the purported corruption within the Ministry of Works, particularly concerning the demolition that took place on October 5, 2024.
The real estate initiative had successfully attracted significant foreign direct investment, comprising 70 percent diasporan subscribers who contributed millions to the Nigerian economy. Okengwu confirmed that all necessary legal documentation for the project was procured, including certificates of occupancy and coastal road clearances.
Additionally, she accused the Federal Ministry of Works of unlawfully altering the coastal road’s alignment, leading to the demolition of properties in WinHomes estate without adequate notification or legal reason. Okengwu questioned the justification for this move, as there are no known telecommunications infrastructures in the vicinity to warrant such a diversion.
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the Minister of Works indicated that there was no immediate comment on the matter, suggesting that formal complaints be lodged for further investigation.
In a related outcry, residents of the Okun Ajah community have also voiced their concerns regarding the alleged illegal diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Expressway through their area. They too have rejected claims made by the Ministry of Works regarding the necessity of the diversion due to telecommunications cables, pleading for President Tinubu to intervene and revert to the original route.
The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Highway launched in March 2024, aims to facilitate improved connectivity. The first segment of the 700-kilometer project is set to start in Lagos, with multiple sections anticipated to commence once procurement and approvals are in place, as stated by Minister Umahi.
