FCT Minister Reveals High-Profile Land Dispute Interventions
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has made startling revelations about how land disputes in Abuja have attracted the attention of Nigeria's most senior statesmen and military leaders. The minister disclosed that both former President Olusegun Obasanjo and retired General T.Y. Danjuma have personally reached out to him regarding land matters in the nation's capital.
Respectful Approach from Former Leaders
Wike shared that despite their prominent status, these respected leaders approached him with courtesy and respect. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo made personal phone calls to discuss land issues, demonstrating humility in his approach. The minister noted that Obasanjo would call him courteously, explaining the problem and requesting his intervention to resolve the matter amicably.
Similarly, retired General T.Y. Danjuma followed the same pattern, placing calls directly to the minister to make his requests regarding land-related concerns. Wike emphasized that addressing such requests from prominent citizens falls within his ministerial responsibilities.
Context of Recent Military Confrontation
These revelations came in the aftermath of Wike's highly publicized clash with Lieutenant Yerima on November 11, 2025. The confrontation, which was captured on video and widely circulated, brought fresh scrutiny to land administration practices in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant to Minister Wike, the faceoff stemmed from an ongoing dispute over a piece of land in Abuja. The official alleged that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, had ignored warnings to halt construction on a site that reportedly lacked both valid title documents and official building approval.
Wike's comments about receiving land dispute calls from Nigeria's most respected figures suggest that such conflicts are commonplace in Abuja, affecting both ordinary citizens and prominent individuals alike. The minister's disclosure highlights the sensitive nature of land administration in the capital city and the political pressures involved in resolving these matters.
