Owners of WINHOMES Estate, a $250 million development project in Lagos that was funded by the Diaspora, have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what they call the “reckless and damaging conduct” of Works Minister Engr. David Umahi. They accuse him of misrepresenting himself, abusing his position, and taking actions that could undermine investor confidence in Nigeria.
The company’s chief executive, Engr. Stella Okengwu, a Nigerian Diaspora investor and U.S. citizen, made a forceful statement to the President, accusing the Minister of violating constitutional principles, undermining judicial independence, and putting the presidency at risk for damage to its reputation through her public remarks and physical actions regarding the estate’s demolition.
In a case that is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, the Minister had often used the President’s name, which she claimed was improper, hazardous, and exposed the valued office of the President to needless local and international disputes.
“This is a subjudice matter. “He has put the presidency in the line of legal and diplomatic fire by linking your name to his actions,” she added, adding that Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution still has the highest authority over all other officeholders.
The concept was conceived in 2021 as a tourism-led development model to encourage Nigerians living abroad to reinvest in their country, the WINHOMES boss added. Supported by hundreds of foreign partners and investors, the project is situated on 20 hectares of legally acquired property in Lagos, featuring 2,500 fully serviced plots, each valued at ₦150 million, and three genuine titles.
She revealed that the project is worth ₦375 billion, or roughly $250 million, and is one of the biggest real estate projects in the nation sponsored by the Diaspora. However, she claims that 400 plots worth ₦60 billion have already been impacted by the coastal highway project’s detour, and that the total anticipated damages and infrastructure losses are ₦85 billion.
She bemoaned, “Ministerial overreach has put Diaspora sweat, real capital, and tangible infrastructure in jeopardy.”
She also denied rumors that the project was funded illegally, emphasizing that WINHOMES Global Services Ltd. complies with all Central Bank of Nigeria and anti-money laundering laws and is properly certified by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).
“All money was moved using reputable financial services including TapTap, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Sendwave. She issued a warning: “Any attempt to label such legitimate funds as unlawful is defamatory and will be met with appropriate legal action.”
She said that the case, Suit No. FHC/L/CS/10063/25, is still continuing before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, and accused Umahi of fabricating allegations that a decision had been rendered in favor of the Federal Government.
She stated that no side, including the government, has the authority to impose its own laws during litigation, citing the Supreme Court’s 1986 decision in Governor of Lagos v. Ojukwu. “It is disrespectful and unconstitutional for the Minister to physically visit the contested site and publicly declare that he has taken the land himself,” she said.
The developer also expressed concerns about reports that some private developers had contacted the Minister to buy portions of the estate, stating that such a move would be considered fraudulent interference with private property and would damage Nigeria’s reputation as a destination for foreign investment.
“Everyone is observing. She warned that every careless remark made by the Minister de-markets Nigeria and increases the perception of risk among international investors.
She made a direct appeal to President Tinubu, asking him to step in and call the Minister to order, uphold the independence of the judiciary, and establish an impartial assessment panel to determine Diaspora damages.
She also demanded an investigation into suspected cash-to-USD transactions connected to the Ministry of Works, prompt compensation, and a public correction of false information.
She said to the President, “Now is your chance to demonstrate that Renewed Hope is a covenant of justice, not just a catchphrase.” “We can either safeguard Nigeria’s investment prospects and the Constitution, or we can let decades of trust be undermined by ministerial impunity.”
“The credibility of Nigeria’s investment climate depends on how this matter is resolved,” the petition’s conclusion stated, calling for WINHOMES’ legal counsel to engage in a structured dialogue with the Tinubu administration.
