Diaspora investors in WINHOMES Estate have accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of inappropriately dragging President Bola Tinubu’s name into the controversy surrounding the demolition of properties to create a path for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The investors, in a press statement yesterday, faulted Umahi’s repeated references to the President in what they described as a “purely legal conflict” that should be determined by the courts.

“Repeatedly invoking the President’s name in this dispute is both inappropriate and damaging. Presenting a legal conflict as though it bears presidential endorsement erodes investor confidence, paints Nigeria as a country where executive interference trumps judicial independence, and sends the wrong signal to the international community.”

The statement, signed by the CEO of WINHOMES Global Services, Engr. Stella Okengwu, accused the Minister of misleading Nigerians and the global community on the scale of demolition, the status of court proceedings, and the level of diaspora engagement.

had claimed that only four hectares of WINHOMES land were affected, but the investors insist the estate represents over $250 million in diaspora investment covering a much larger area. “Families, professionals, and businesses who invested in good faith have lost properties and assets valued at far more than what the Ministry admits,” the group stated.

They also debunked Umahi’s claim that the Federal Government had secured judgment in its favour, stressing that Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1063/25, filed before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, remains pending. “No trial has commenced, no judgment has been delivered, and any suggestion otherwise is a reckless distortion,” the statement read.

The investors further alleged that the Minister personally invited diaspora representatives to discuss the issue and promised to escalate it to the President, contrary to his public denials. They said video evidence of the invitation exists and could be made public if necessary.

Beyond the demolition dispute, the group raised concerns over reports of a ₦200 million cash payment linked to the Ministry, calling on the EFCC and DSS to launch a probe in the interest of transparency.

They also cited MTN Africa’s televised warning against diverting the coastal highway through the estate, accusing the Ministry of ignoring expert advice and due process.

“Our goal is not only to defend our investments but also to expose the wider risks of arbitrary governance to any investor considering Nigeria as a viable destination,” Okengwu said, vowing to pursue the matter until justice is served.