The Chief Executive Officer of WinHomes Global Services Limited, Stella Okengwu, has fired back at the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over remarks questioning the source of funding for her company’s housing project, deepening an ongoing dispute linked to the proposed Lagos Coastal Highway.
The controversy stems from allegations by WinHomes that the Federal Ministry of Works, under Umahi’s leadership, diverted the route of the highway into its estate project in Okun Ajah area of Lagos, despite a subsisting court order.
The minister has, however, denied the claims, insisting that due process was followed while also casting doubts on the credibility of the developer and the legitimacy of her investment.
Responding in a strongly worded statement, Okengwu rejected the allegations and challenged the minister to explain the source of his own wealth and property holdings across Lagos, Enugu and Ebonyi States, where he previously served as governor.
“You called me a fraud. You questioned how I brought in $215 million as an investor. You mocked my credibility,” she said.
“But let me ask you what Nigerians are already asking. As a former governor, how did you build massive projects, including a hotel reportedly named after your child, and acquire properties across several states?
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“How does a public servant amass such wealth?” she queried.
Okengwu further raised concerns about the implications of the dispute on investor confidence, warning that such controversies could discourage much-needed investment in Nigeria’s housing sector.
“At a time Nigeria needs investment the most, can investors truly trust the system, or are we building on uncertainty?” she added.
The face-off between both parties has sparked wider debate over transparency, due process and the relationship between government authorities and private developers.
