Rita Lori Ogbebor, a notable Niger Delta activist and member of the Olu of Warri Council, has raised concerns over the actions of Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She is urging a thorough investigation into Wike’s involvement in a contentious land dispute surrounding her late husband’s estate in Abuja. The property, a 42-year-old estate developed by her husband, Col. Paul Ogbebor, has become the center of a dispute with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), which is threatening demolition.
The estate, valued at N3.5 billion, has been a significant part of the Ogbebor family legacy for decades. Col. Ogbebor, a soldier, was allocated the land during the early development of Nigeria’s capital, a common practice for contributors to national projects at the time. Over the years, the family faced multiple bureaucratic challenges, including revalidating land certificates and paying substantial fees for official processes. Recently, Ogbebor’s children paid N10 million to regularize the land’s status, but this effort was abruptly undermined by the declaration of the property as “illegal” and “dilapidated” under Wike’s directive.
In a report by Arise News, Rita Lori Ogbebor argues that the estate is neither abandoned nor deteriorated, as alleged, pointing to its current use as a residential area for various occupants, including expatriates. She contends that such claims do not align with the estate’s status, given its vibrant community and significant historical value. For her, the property represents her late husband’s sole legacy and contribution to the development of the nation, making the threat of demolition a severe injustice.
The activist has called for an independent judicial investigation to clarify whether her late husband’s acquisition and development of the land were in any way improper or illegal. She insists that the family’s efforts to comply with government regulations over the years demonstrate their commitment to preserving the property’s legitimacy. For her, the demolition threat undermines not just her family’s legacy but also the principle of honoring national contributors.
The controversy has prompted Ogbebor to urge Nigerians to scrutinize Wike’s role in the matter. She believes his actions reflect a broader issue of disrespect toward individuals who have made significant sacrifices for the country’s development. This, she says, highlights the need for accountability and transparency in public office, especially when historical assets are at stake.
She has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure a fair resolution to the dispute. By addressing the matter, she argues, the government would demonstrate its commitment to justice and the preservation of national legacies.
In her remarks, “I’m asking all Nigerians to probe Wike. Enough is enough in this country. I challenge Mr. President, whose name is being used and polluted, that he must probe Wike.”
Peoplesmind
