Protesters Demand Release of Ola Obanla and Compensation for Okun-Ajah Demolition Victims
Enet
LAGOS—Members of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Foreign Investors of Nigeria protested at the Ministry of Works liaison office in Lagos, demanding the immediate release of Ola Obanla, a site worker allegedly abducted by soldiers amid tensions over land demolitions in Okun-Ajah for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The group also called for fair compensation for property owners affected by the demolitions.
Marching from Tafawa Balewa Square with placards reading “Free Obanla, a site worker at WinHomes,” “Today it’s WinHomes, tomorrow it could be your land,” and “President Tinubu, we speak as victims of impunity,” the protesters condemned the Ministry of Works for escalating community tensions. They urged dialogue to resolve the issue peacefully.
Coalition coordinator Shina Loromikan alleged that Minister of Works David Umahi ordered Obanla’s arrest after a heated exchange during a community engagement, and his whereabouts remain unknown. “Nobody knows if he’s in custody or a private residence. We’ve checked police stations, including Lagos State Command, but found no trace,” Loromikan said, warning that protests would continue until Obanla is freed. He noted a similar protest was held simultaneously in Abuja.
The coalition criticized the government’s handling of demolitions and compensation, calling it oppressive. “A democratic government shouldn’t demolish hard-earned properties and offer peanuts as compensation,” Loromikan said, highlighting that many affected owners are Nigerians in the diaspora who invested significantly.
The group submitted a letter to Minister Umahi, demanding Obanla’s release, reversion of the land to rightful owners, adherence to the original coastal road alignment, and transparency in project execution without abuse of power or corruption.
