The Lagos State Government has demolished 17 illegal buildings in Oral Estate II, Lekki, as part of efforts to restore the Right of Way along the Ikota River and mitigate growing flood risks.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who led the inspection, condemned the encroachments, warning that private developers were narrowing river channels to create and sell plots, endangering surrounding communities.

“Flooding in Lagos can’t be eliminated but must be managed through responsible land use. Destroying wetlands and blocking drainage channels makes that impossible,” Wahab said.

Stop-work and seal orders were also issued at Partibons Homes Estate and Bee-Forth Estate Phase 2, where illegal reclamation activities were ongoing. Wahab noted that natural drainage systems like Channels 156 and 157, designed to direct stormwater to the Lagoon, have been compromised by unapproved developments.

The tour was conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation, ahead of the Green Rail Line project. Transportation Commissioner Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi noted that auto dealers encroaching on wetlands and powerline corridors along the Lekki-Epe Expressway had been served notices, stressing the importance of preserving infrastructure corridors.

Officials also visited the Agodogba Collector Drain project at Parkview Estate, which is expected to provide major flood relief once completed.

The state government has pledged continued enforcement to restore wetlands and protect Lagos’ long-term environmental and infrastructure plans.

The post Lagos Demolishes 17 Structures in Lekki to Reclaim Waterways, Tackle Flooding appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Property owners within the WINHOMES Estate in Lagos have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing deep concerns over the demolition of parts of the estate linked to the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

In a letter addressed to the President, the Chief Executive Officer of WINHOMES Global Services Ltd., Engr. Stella Okengwu, a U.S. based Nigerian investor criticized the Federal Ministry of Works for its handling of the demolition, warning that the move could significantly undermine investor confidence, particularly among Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Okengwu, whose firm is leading one of Nigeria’s largest Diaspora-backed real estate developments, emphasized that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/10063/25). She cautioned that any public statements or actions by government officials while the case remains pending risk violating the principle of judicial independence.

Referencing recent remarks by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, she described the public commentary on the matter as prejudicial and inappropriate, stressing that all parties must respect the legal process and refrain from actions that could be seen as contempt of court.

Established in 2021, the WINHOMES Estate project was conceived as a tourism-driven real estate initiative aimed at attracting investment from Nigerians in the Diaspora. The estate spans 20 hectares in Lagos, holds three valid land titles, and comprises approximately 2,500 fully serviced plots, each valued at around ₦150 million. The total estimated value of the project stands at ₦375 billion (approximately $250 million).

Okengwu noted that the recent realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had affected around 400 plots, valued at over ₦60 billion, with estimated cumulative damages to the estate reaching ₦85 billion.

She also affirmed that WINHOMES Global Services Ltd. remains fully compliant with all regulatory and financial frameworks. The company is certified by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), and all funds were transparently sourced through legitimate international remittance platforms.

In her appeal to President Tinubu, Okengwu urged the Federal Government to ensure that due process is followed and that legal proceedings are allowed to run their full course without executive interference. She called for an independent valuation of the affected property to determine adequate compensation for investors, many of whom are Nigerians in the Diaspora.

She added that resolving the dispute in a transparent and lawful manner would reaffirm the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda and send a strong message to the international investment community that Nigeria remains a secure and reliable destination for long-term investment.

The post WINHOMES Estate Owners Petition President Tinubu Over Demolition appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has urged that ongoing legal disputes surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project and WinHomes Estate should not be misinterpreted as government hostility toward investors, particularly those from the Nigerian diaspora.

Speaking during a live interview on Arise News on Tuesday, the minister clarified that while litigation involving property demolitions along the highway corridor exists, it does not obstruct the implementation of key national infrastructure initiatives.

“There were and are still cases in court. The first involved 39 property owners whose structures were affected. They were evaluated and compensated, even for informal settlements,” Umahi said. “The president directed us to pay because he wants to alleviate their problems.”

The minister expressed concern that certain media narratives surrounding the disputes could distort public perception and discourage credible foreign investment, especially from Nigerians living abroad.

“When people invoke the diaspora angle in a negative light, it creates unnecessary fear among genuine investors,” Umahi noted. “This government is very friendly with Nigerians in the diaspora, and we will not allow anyone to damage that relationship or the administration’s reputation.”

Umahi also revealed that some diaspora investors who are resident in Nigeria have reached out to seek further clarification on the project’s scope and progress. “They’ve sent letters and want to come to the office. I am more than willing to meet with them and clear any doubts,” he said.

Despite the legal friction, Umahi maintained that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway remains on schedule and is advancing through multiple phases. “The coastal highway is progressing very well. We are now in session two, and we’ve opened session three and three B, about 65 kilometers in Calabar,” he stated.

The controversy surrounding WinHomes Estate intensified after the company’s diaspora investors raised concerns over demolitions tied to the highway’s alignment. Earlier, Umahi had told reporters that only about four hectares of the estate’s land were impacted by the government’s development plans.

However, the Chief Executive Officer of WinHomes Global Services Ltd., Stella Okengwu, contested the minister’s remarks, insisting that the estate’s total investment exceeds $250 million. She also stressed the importance of upholding legal processes in the dispute.

In response, Umahi questioned the accuracy of the figures being cited. “If truly $250 million was invested, where is the proof? Who paid the money, and through which bank? Nigerians deserve to know,” he said.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency and to fostering a secure investment climate. He assured stakeholders that the government remains open to dialogue and that legitimate investor concerns will be addressed within the framework of the law.

The post Umahi: Legal Disputes Around WinHomes Must Not Undermine Investor Confidence appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Deeper Life Bible Church and the Surulere Local Government in Lagos have started talks to resolve the conflict over the demolition of the church’s branch in Lawanson.

A meeting was held on Wednesday between the church leaders, Surulere LGA Chairman Sulaimon Bamidele, and representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria. The Nigeria Police facilitated the meeting to ease tensions after the demolition.

The church said the demolition was illegal and went against a court order. According to the church, Lagos State agencies and Surulere council officials destroyed the building at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, despite a legal order to stop all actions.

District Pastor Israel Adeagbo said the church had been at the location since 2007. In January 2024, the local government gave notice of plans to remove the building. This happened even though the matter was still in court.

Just two days after the demolition, the government began building a shopping complex on the land. This move sparked anger among the church members.

After the meeting, Group Pastor Alfred Oghene said the talks were peaceful and focused on finding a way forward. He said the church was hurt by the demolition but willing to talk.

He confirmed that the local government promised to consult its legal team and respond soon. The church is waiting for a clear proposal in writing or by other means.

The church’s lawyer, Taiwo Kupolati, SAN, said one of their main requests was a new place of worship. He also asked that all construction on the land stop until the matter is resolved.

Kupolati said the chairman of the local government agreed to return with a plan. He promised to consider justice, peace, and the well-being of the worshippers. Until then, no new work should take place on the land.

He stressed that the church wants peace, not a fight. They only want to protect their right to worship where they have been for 18 years. He added that he believed the chairman would be fair.

Kupolati said the meeting gave hope that an agreement could be reached. The key point, he said, is that the church must not be left without a place to worship.

Christian Nwogu, a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, was also at the meeting. He said the court had already ordered that the church be restored. He urged the government to respect the ruling.

The church hopes for a peaceful solution soon. Talks will continue in the coming days.

The post Deeper Life Church, Lagos Authorities Begin Talks After Controversial Demolition appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Governor Monday Okpebholo personally oversaw the recent demolition of a property in Ogheghe, a community on the outskirts of Benin City. According to officials, the building was linked to kidnapping and internet fraud, with reports suggesting that victims were held captive and subjected to ritual practices. Authorities claimed that human remains, fetish objects, and personal items belonging to victims were discovered at the site.

The governor, visibly troubled by the findings, condemned the activities allegedly conducted in the building. “Children were kidnapped and kept here for years. This kind of evil is unacceptable in Edo State,” Okpebholo said during the demolition exercise. He vowed to continue targeting structures associated with cultism, kidnapping, and ritual crimes, declaring that there would be “no sanctuary for criminals in Edo State.”

As part of the same operation, another building in the Amagba area of Benin was also demolished. The structure was reportedly used by a secret cult group and contained multiple rooms, a hall, and office-like spaces believed to have supported organized illegal activities.

The demolition exercise is being carried out under a newly signed anti-cultism law, which empowers the state government to act against properties connected to criminal enterprises. Governor Okpebholo’s administration has emphasized that the demolitions are both a legal and moral imperative to safeguard public safety.

Still, the policy has drawn criticism from some who argue that the destruction of physical assets may be excessive or irreversible, especially in cases where future evidence may cast doubt on the initial justification for demolition. Critics also suggest that such properties could be repurposed for public use rather than destroyed.

Supporters of the policy, however, maintain that demolishing the buildings sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated and that assets linked to criminality should not be preserved or returned under political influence.

Legal experts note that while the demolitions are sanctioned by law, affected property owners have the right to challenge the action in court. If a court finds the demolition to be unjust or unlawful, compensation may be awarded.

In a follow-up measure, Governor Okpebholo announced that the land where the Ogheghe building once stood will be used to construct a police station, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and rule of law.

This latest move aligns Edo State with other Nigerian states—such as Anambra, Ekiti, and Enugu—that have taken similar hardline stances against criminal hideouts in recent years.

The post Edo State Government Demolishes Criminal Hideouts Amid Public Debate appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This was confirmed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Verification of affected properties will start immediately. The process will be overseen by the Federal Comptroller of Works, Olukorede Keisha. Minister Umahi assured stakeholders that the payment process is fully prepared and ready to roll out.

So far, N16 billion has already been paid to contractors, even though the initial budget was N8 billion. Umahi explained that he spoke directly with the President, who approved the increased disbursement to help move the project forward quickly.

Most individuals due for compensation have already been settled. However, a few cases remain in court. The minister explained that legal battles are ongoing with a small number of claimants. According to him, the government is being represented by seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria. He stressed that the administration is following the proper procedures and will not be derailed. “We floored them the first time, and they’ve gone to the State High Court. Apart from those people, we have paid every other person,” he said.

In Section 1 of the project, the Federal Government has disbursed over N15 billion out of a total estimated compensation amount of more than N18 billion. This section covers 47.7 kilometers and has been used as a pilot for the broader compensation rollout. Bede Obioha, Director of Federal Highways, Bridges, and Design, shared that compensation figures for Section 2 are still being finalized. He assured stakeholders that the ministry remains committed to transparency and open communication as the project unfolds.

Minister Umahi also gave an update on construction progress. He revealed that 30 kilometers of the 70-kilometer stretch under Channel Zero, part of Phase 1 Section 1, will be commissioned in May 2025. This will mark a significant step forward and showcase the results of the massive investment made so far.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent times. It aims to connect key economic zones along the coastline, reducing travel time and boosting commerce. Despite its potential, the project has faced criticism, legal challenges, and resistance from some affected communities.

The announcement of a firm compensation date brings some relief. For those who have been waiting, April 26 may mark not just a payday, but also a fresh start. As construction moves forward, many will be watching closely to see how the government handles the balance between development, fairness, and accountability.

The post Lagos-Calabar Highway Compensation Set to Begin April 26 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

They lamented that the action would compound the unbearable burden on the residents who had already been burdened with the present state of the economy.

The landlords and residents urged Governor Makinde to rethink his decision and save thousands of lives who have been affected and will be affected by the demolition.

They condemned the action of the Oyo State Government on the demolition of properties within a 500-metre setback, which is still ongoing.

The affected residents, who decried the action by the Oyo State Government, said it was inhuman and callous to demolish what they had worked for in their prime.

READ ALSO: Kogi State Government Warns Landlords Against Renting to Yahoo Boys

They claimed that further demolition would displace over 300,000 residents, stating that some of them are already passing through untold hardship resulting from the ongoing demolition.

Chief Adedeji Amidu Lamilo, who is the chairman of the residents cutting across six local governments out of 11, revealed that some affected residents had died, while some are traumatised with records of emotional damage due to the ongoing demolition.

In his address, Lamilo said: “It is a shocking move by the Governor to take 500 metres to the right and 500 metres to the left for a road setback and displace people living at the Circular Road corridor, which is against the initial plan of 75 metres by left and 75 metres by right laid out by the past administration, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

“The affected local governments are Ido, Akinyele, Oluyole, Ona-Ara, Egbeda, and Lagelu Local Government Areas, and all the residents jointly condemned the present administration’s move and act as inhumane, cruel, and a betrayal as we all voted for this government.

“It is heartbreaking to establish that, right from the resurgence of the Circular Road, the Seyi Makinde-led government has never made a public statement to address the situation. It appears to us that he is more interested in grabbing more land and destroying properties.

READ ALSO: Port Harcourt Landlords and Business Owners Count Losses as Structures Make Way for N195bn Road Project

“Despite several cries, rallies, letters, and engagements initiated by the affected residents, the governor has turned a deaf ear to the people he claimed voted him to power.

“However, we urge the Oyo State House Assembly, the Olubadan of Ibadan, the mogajis, and the good people of Oyo State to exercise their power to invoke checks and balances in government and intervene, and call this present administration to order.

“We also challenge the Governor to publicly address the citizens of the state, stating clearly why he intends to take 500 metres to the right and 500 metres to the left as a road setback.

“Our demand is for him to stop the plan and maintain the initial plan of 75 metres by left and 75 metres by right as stated by the past administration of His Excellency Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”

In his address, a former chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Biliaminu Ogundele, said Makinde noted that the idea of 500 metres on both sides of the road is the idea of the governor and not part of the original plan by the past administrations.

READ ALSO: Lagos-Calabar Highway Demolition: 100 Landowners Unite for New Legal Battle

He said that even if there were such a change in the plan, the government was supposed to have a proper dialogue with the affected residents on how to minimise the effect of the demolition rather than bringing heavy-duty machines suddenly to pull down houses.

He pointed out that when the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi demolished part of the Ayefele Music House, Engr. Seyi Makinde was one of the people who went there to protest with knickers.

Also speaking, one of the community leaders, Mr. Kayode Babyomi, said it was sad that despite all the entreaties to the governor, he has shown a lack of empathy and is keen on displacing thousands of residents in all areas along the Circular Road.

“We will remain on the street since the governor has chased us from our abodes. We will ensure that we stay on the street and let them know that we have no place to stay anymore and we will not leave until our demands are met,” he said.

Other residents, who spoke to journalists, expressed displeasure at the action of the governor who seemed unbothered by their cries and appeals.

Source: guardian.ng

The post We’re dying, stop property demolition, landlords, residents beg Makinde appeared first on Housing TV Africa.