Lagos — A group of Nigerians, comprising real estate investors in the diaspora, has petitioned the House of Representatives, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged illegal diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in Okun Ajah by the Federal Ministry of Works.

The real estate investors, whose buildings were demolished in Okun Ajah, Lagos, by the Federal Ministry of Works, due to the alleged illegal diversion of the road, accused the Minister of Works of disregarding the original gazetted alignment and using its authority to intimidate and harass innocent citizens.

In a statement, the investors claimed that the diversion of the road has led to the destruction of their properties, including the WinHomes Estate, which had attracted significant foreign direct investment, FDI.

Femi Adekoya, one of the affected investors, said: "We are deeply concerned about the illegal actions of the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Controller of Works. The diversion of the road has caused immense hardship to our community, and we demand justice."

The investors urged the Chairman of the Committee on Works, House of Representatives to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.

One of the investors, whose building was demolished, said: "In a bid to curry the favours of Minister of Works, David Umahi, the violators of the original master plan have gone to town with false claims and outright falsehood.

"The tissue of lies being bandied about includes the fake story of over 2000 houses that would be demolished if the road is not rerouted. Ignoring the plight of those who obeyed the law and built outside the Coastal road, they insisted on the diversion to escape what is rightly a reward for their greediness.

"Also included in their propaganda is the presence of a so-called marine cable, which is far from the Coastal route in Okun Ajah."