A peaceful protest erupted in Lagos on Wednesday, led by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Foreign Investors of Nigeria, as they gathered at the Lagos liaison office of the Federal Ministry of Works. The demonstrators passionately demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ola Obanla, a site worker with WinHomes who was allegedly arrested by military personnel during a standoff involving land demolitions in Okun-Ajah.
The coalition, made up of civil society groups and concerned investors, is also seeking adequate compensation for homeowners and developers who have been affected by the demolition activities tied to the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction project.
Public Outcry Over Military Arrest of WinHomes Worker
According to the protesters, Mr. Obanla was forcefully taken away by soldiers during a tense encounter linked to the controversial demolitions in the area. His arrest has sparked widespread outrage as no official explanation has been given regarding his whereabouts or legal status.
The demonstrators carried bold placards with inscriptions such as:
- “Free Obanla, a site worker at WinHomes”
- “Today it’s WinHomes, tomorrow it could be your land”
- “President Tinubu, we are not critics — we are victims of injustice in our own investment”
- “Withdraw soldiers from Umahi’s escort”
The march began from Tafawa Balewa Square and ended at the ministry’s office, with many accusing the Ministry of Works of igniting conflict in the community through insensitive demolitions that allegedly occurred without proper consultation or fair compensation.
Allegations Against Minister David Umahi
Mr. Shina Loromikan, who coordinated the protest, revealed that Obanla’s arrest occurred shortly after Minister of Works, David Umahi, visited the project site and engaged with residents. According to Loromikan, Umahi reportedly took offense at how Obanla addressed him and directed soldiers in his entourage to detain the young worker.
“He was seized and disappeared from public view. His family and community members have no information about his location. We’ve contacted several police stations, including the Lagos State Police Command, but none admit to holding him,” said Loromikan.
He stressed that Nigeria’s legal framework prohibits detention beyond 48 hours without a court charge. “The longer he is held without legal process, the clearer it becomes that this is illegal detention,” he emphasized. Loromikan added that unless the government acts promptly, further protests will follow.
Simultaneously, a similar demonstration was reported in Abuja, underscoring the national concern surrounding Obanla’s arrest and the broader issues of justice, transparency, and due process in the project.
Demolition Controversy and Investor Distrust
The coalition further expressed frustration over the non-transparent and allegedly biased demolition and compensation procedures surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway development. They accused the government of offering meager compensation for destroyed properties, many of which were owned by Nigerians in the diaspora who had invested heavily in the region.
“This isn’t development — it’s oppression,” Loromikan stated. “You don’t destroy people’s lifelong investments and offer them peanuts in return.”
A formal petition was submitted to the Minister of Works, listing several demands, including:
- The immediate release of Mr. Obanla.
- A review of the demolition strategy and full compensation for affected residents.
- Restoration of the original route design of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
- A call for the government to return the land to its legitimate owners.
- A demand for complete transparency in the execution of the project, free from corruption, coercion, or political manipulation.
The coalition emphasized that unless the Federal Government initiates dialogue with the affected communities, tension in the region will continue to escalate.
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