Tensions escalated on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Victoria Island, Lagos, as the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, faced property owners concerned about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.
The meeting aimed to address grievances from homeowners whose properties are affected by the planned development.
Joined by federal lawmakers overseeing infrastructure projects, Umahi invited residents to express their concerns.
Among them was a woman who identified herself as a supporter of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election. She claimed her properties, which allegedly held all necessary government approvals, had been demolished due to a project route diversion through her estate.
The woman asserted she had consistently supported the current administration, noting her involvement in Tinubu’s campaign, and expressed frustration over her property losses.
Umahi responded by accusing her of mobilizing protests to hinder the project, which she strongly denied.
“You have been doing a lot to stop the project,” Umahi said, warning that continued disturbances would lead to “consequences.”
He encouraged her to take legal action if she felt her rights were being violated but stressed that the ministry was following due process.
As the woman continued to speak after her microphone was cut off, Umahi directed security personnel to remove her from the venue. “Security, move her out,” he ordered.
Attempting to defend her stance, the woman responded, “I’m a matron in Tinubu’s campaign organization with over 5,000 members.”
In an effort to diffuse tensions, Umahi acknowledged that his own properties had also been affected by road projects in other parts of the country, including demolitions in Port Harcourt and Aba.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation and noted that final designs were still in progress, adding, “The beachside belongs to the Federal Government.”
The minister assured stakeholders that court rulings on property disputes would be honored but urged all parties to avoid taking the law into their own hands.