Akomolafe Henrich Banks ₦150M Farm Demolished After Backing Lagos Demolitions -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MF9Yd3K8BE?si=xgsuJOjBPP0MG3TQ

Abuja Entrepreneur Loses N150m Poultry Farm to Demolition Months After Supporting Lagos Demolitions
Akomolafe Henrich Banks, an entrepreneur based in Abuja, has lost his N150 million poultry farm due to a demolition carried out by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The demolition occurred on Sunday, approximately four months after Banks had publicly endorsed similar demolition activities in Lagos State.
According to Banks, the demolition was executed without prior notice, destroying his investment and leaving more than 50 workers unemployed, despite his possession of all legal documents to occupy the land.
“How can this happen in a country where I followed every legal process?” Banks lamented. “Let it be clear that all the paperwork, including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), was in order, yet some individuals within the government decided it was acceptable to destroy my life’s work — an investment worth a lifetime.”
He continued, “This isn’t just my loss — over 50 workers are now out of jobs and business! In these difficult times, families will suffer because of the actions of certain individuals operating under the guise of the FCDA. Tell me, why can’t I farm on my private property? Why?”
In May, Banks had praised the Lagos State government for its demolition efforts in Mende Villa, Lagos, which targeted buildings obstructing waterways.
At the time, he had written, “Tokunbo Wahab is doing a good job. If Lagos floods, we would blame him, and if the demolition affects sensitive areas, we would cry foul. However, Lagos State has much work to do. Buildings should never be allowed to sprout on such channels before order is enforced.”
However, Banks’ support for the demolition efforts in Lagos, led by Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, has resurfaced, sparking backlash on social media with users accusing him of hypocrisy.
FS Yusuf, a prominent figure on social media known for supporting the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election, labeled Banks’ situation as karma.
“When demolitions destroyed other people’s properties in Lagos, you said ‘good job’ because you hated the tribe affected. Now it’s your turn. Your N150 million investment is gone. Still think demolitions are great? Idiot!” Yusuf posted.
Others echoed similar sentiments. Gbemisola CFC criticized Banks for his lack of empathy when others were affected, writing: “When other people’s properties were demolished, you praised the government. Now, you’re crying because it happened to you. Now you understand how 50 people losing their jobs feels. Hypocrisy at its finest.”
Likewise, Winston Adeate compared Banks’ plight to the recent demolitions in Abuja, suggesting that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was simply fulfilling his duties. “Nothing to see here, bro. Just Wike doing his job, like Tokunbo Wahab in Lagos. You supported it back then, now you’re wailing.”
Joseph Onuorah, another critic, highlighted Banks’ lack of empathy during earlier demolitions: “When the demolition madness was happening in Lagos, you celebrated because it didn’t affect you. Now it’s your turn. Bad governance will always circle back if we don’t collectively stop it. I feel sorry for those who support the arbitrary actions of the current ruling class. We must fight to establish the rule of law.”
Banks has since called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Nigeria’s First Lady, who had previously encouraged citizens to engage in farming, to address his situation. “I hope no one accuses me of treason when I protest because this is an act of treason against me,” he wrote.
FIJ had earlier reported that Tokunbo Wahab had aggressively ordered the demolition of several structures in Mende Villa, within the Maryland axis of Lagos, under the pretext of clearing blocked waterways.