There has been a worrisome recurring pattern where Southeasterners, mainly of the Igbo tribe, have had unpleasant experiences with their investments in the Southwest zone. Could it be that tribal sentiments are involved? Take for instance the story of Landmark Leisure Beach that was demolished to make way for the Lagos Calabar coastal highway. Landmark Leisure Beach, owned and founded by Paul Onwuanibe, who, as you may have rightly guessed is an Igbo man, had his business brought down to give way for the project. This move by the Federal Government was justified as necessary for national development, claiming the beach fell within the right-of-way for the coastal project. Now, here’s the kicker, after all his years of hard work and investment were wiped out in a matter of hours, the Landmark CEO came out earlier this year to clearly state that the Federal Government has refused to compensate the company, nearly nine months after the demolition.
Today, Nigerians witnessed a similar episode as Peter Obi, former Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, took to social media to bitterly complain about the growing lawlessness in the country. He expressed deep concern after a property owned by his younger brother’s company in Ikeja, Lagos, was demolished without proper legal authorization or any formal notice. According to Obi, the only court document shown was addressed to an “unknown person” and squatters, no names, no legal service, yet excavators had already been mobilized to bring down a structure that had stood for over 15 years. Obi said two men eventually showed up and casually suggested they go to a police station, still without presenting any demolition order.
These are just the stories that gain attention because of the public status of the people involved. What then happens to those who do not have the platform or voice to speak out?
Looking back a bit into history, Southwesterners initially rejected Abuja and refused to own properties there, only showing interest when Obasanjo became president, and even then, investments outside the Southwest have remained minimal.
Maybe this is the time for Igbo people to not just reflect, but to seriously focus on investing and building at home. With tribal sentiments rising since the 2023 elections, the situation in the country continues to show that there will truly be no place like home. No matter how accommodating others may be, and yes, many still are, no one will truly accept or stand by you like your own people.
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