Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has found himself embroiled in escalating controversies that stretch from Rivers State to Abuja. His actions, including the demolition spree in the nation’s capital and the alleged sale of land tied to the legacy of Colonel Paul Ogbebor, have stirred outrage across the country. What started as a localized land issue has now grown into a national confrontation involving political, cultural, and spiritual forces.
The Benin Kingdom, deeply offended by what they see as an assault on their pride and one of their revered sons, has vowed not to let this injustice go unchallenged. At the same time, Rivers State residents, frustrated by Wike’s high-handed approach to governance, are also pushing back against his perceived abuse of power.

Colonel Paul Ogbebor: A Legacy Under Attack

Colonel Paul Ogbebor was a national hero and a son of the Benin Kingdom, whose contributions to Nigeria remain unparalleled. As the first Nigerian enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Cadet Course 1, he served the country with honor, earning numerous accolades for his bravery. Beyond his military career, he was a builder of Abuja, contributing significantly to the development of Nigeria’s capital city.

“This land was allocated to my husband in recognition of his service to this country,” Mrs. Rita Lori Ogbebor stated apparently. “Now, Wike, you have sold it to a Rivers State man close to you. Was there a bidding process? Was the equity rule followed? Or was it handed over secretly? This is not just about land; it is about justice and respect for my husband’s legacy.”

The Benin Kingdom sees this as an affront to their cultural identity and a desecration of the legacy of one of their greatest sons. They are determined to resist this assault on their history, heritage, and pride.

A Question of Equity: Was There a Bidding Process?

The controversial sale of Colonel Paul Ogbebor’s land to Chinda’s company has raised critical questions about the fairness and transparency of the transaction. The Benin Kingdom, alongside many Nigerians, is demanding answers about whether public bidding—an essential element of equity and accountability—was conducted as required by law.

Public bidding ensures that all transactions are subjected to open scrutiny, allowing equal opportunities for interested parties while maintaining fairness in government dealings. However, the alleged secretive nature of this sale suggests otherwise, pointing to a troubling lack of transparency in how this property, tied to a national hero, was transferred.

A Question of Transparency: Was Equity Respected?

The sale of this land is not just a routine transaction; it strikes at the core of equity and fairness in governance. For the Benin Kingdom, Colonel Ogbebor’s legacy is sacred, and any attempt to erase it through dubious processes is a direct affront to their cultural pride.

Wike, you must answer these questions, Mrs. Rita Lori Ogbebor appeared to be asking . “How did this happen? Why was this land given to someone tied to you without a fair process? Do you think the Benin Kingdom will let this go unchallenged? You are gravely mistaken.”

The alleged sale to Chinda’s company, reportedly tied to Wike’s close ally, has sparked outrage. It calls into question the principles of governance and accountability, raising doubts about whether the equity rule—which guarantees fairness in public dealings—was respected.

Demands for Clarity

The Benin Kingdom, through Mrs. Ogbebor, has apparently voiced its concerns publicly and forcefully:
Was there a public bidding process?
Was the equity rule followed?
Who approved the sale, and under what conditions?

Wike, we want answers. How was this property sold? Was it advertised for bidding? Was the equity rule followed? Or was it handed over quietly to someone close to you? These are not questions you can ignore.

Perceptions of Cronyism and Favoritism

The revelation that Chinda’s company now owns the disputed property has further inflamed tensions, with accusations that Wike is using his position to benefit allies and cronies at the expense of fairness and justice. The perception that this transaction was manipulated to favor a select few adds to the growing discontent with Wike’s leadership style.

For the Benin Kingdom, this is not just about the sale of land. It is a direct insult to their identity, pride, and legacy. Colonel Ogbebor is one of their most distinguished sons—a national hero whose contributions to Nigeria are woven into the fabric of their cultural history.

The outrage is rooted in more than just legal concerns; it is deeply tied to cultural identity and justice. The Benin Kingdom views this alleged sale not only as a breach of trust but as an attack on their values and the legacy of one of their own.

The Benin Kingdom’s Stance: Justice Must Prevail

This issue goes beyond governance. It is about equity, transparency, and respect for the legacy of a hero. The Benin Kingdom will not remain silent as the principles of justice are trampled upon. Their demand for answers reflects the broader need for accountability in leadership.

Wike, this is your moment to clarify. The Benin Kingdom and the nation demand transparency. Without it, the cultural and spiritual resistance that has begun will only grow stronger.

Wike’s Growing Controversies

The land issue in Abuja is just one of many controversies linked to Wike, whose actions have consistently drawn criticism. His deteriorating relationship with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has resulted in political chaos, with allegations that Wike is orchestrating disruptions through local government appointments, manipulating vacant House of Assembly seats, and interfering in police activities.

Residents and analysts allege that Wike has used his influence with Abuja-based judges to interfere in Rivers State governance, further destabilizing Fubara’s administration. Rivers residents accuse Wike of prioritizing personal vendettas over the welfare of the state, with many questioning his leadership style and intentions.

The Pushback from the Benin Kingdom and Rivers People

Mrs. Ogbebor’s defiant stance echoes a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with Wike’s actions. The Benin Kingdom and its people are not alone in their resistance. Rivers State residents, already weary of Wike’s perceived overreach and interference, have also begun to call for accountability.

What you have done to Rivers State—using courts, police, and political appointments to consolidate power—you will not do to the Benin Kingdom. The people of Benin will not let you trample on their legacy.

From the revocation of land rights in Abuja to the alleged destabilization of Rivers State governance, Wike’s actions have raised critical concerns about his abuse of power and the lasting damage to public trust and governance stability.

A Senate Intervention: A Temporary Halt to Demolitions

The Senate’s recent intervention has provided a momentary pause in Wike’s demolition spree. Senator Ireti Kingibe’s motion, supported by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, called for an immediate halt to further demolitions in Abuja. The Senate has also launched an investigation into Wike’s actions, with a committee tasked with determining the legality and fairness of his administration’s policies.

Wike, the Senate is now watching. Their intervention is proof that your actions have crossed a line. Take this moment to reflect, because the Benin Kingdom will not remain silent forever.

This Is a Spiritual and Cultural War

The Benin Kingdom, steeped in centuries of tradition and cultural pride, does not take lightly to perceived injustices. Their priests and priestesses, who serve as spiritual guardians of their people, have historically acted when the Kingdom’s honor is at stake.

As a writer and psychologist, I may not practice traditional African spiritual powers, but I understand their significance, I write. Wike, you are treading on dangerous ground. The Benin Kingdom’s spiritual forces are no trivial matter. Their priests and priestesses typically await the King’s directive, but in this case, their patience may run out. Don’t wait for them to act, because once they do, you will face consequences far beyond your control.

This is not just about land; it is about the soul of the Benin Kingdom. Wike’s actions have provoked a deep cultural and spiritual resistance that will not be easily quelled.

The Benin Kingdom Stands Firm

The Benin Kingdom, known for its proud warrior heritage and unshakable sense of justice, will rally behind Mrs. Ogbebor. The Kingdom takes pride in its sons and daughters who have served the nation honorably, and Colonel Ogbebor’s contributions are viewed as a source of collective pride. Any attempt to erase his legacy is seen as an attack on the Kingdom itself.

What Wike is doing in Rivers State—bullying the people, apparently manipulating the courts, and grabbing power—he cannot do to the Benin Kingdom. The people of Benin will not let him treat us like pawns.

A National Embarrassment for Tinubu

Wike’s actions have placed President Bola Tinubu in a precarious position. While Wike was instrumental in helping Tinubu secure Rivers State during the presidential election, his growing list of controversies, including the feud with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the relentless demolitions in Abuja, has become a national embarrassment. The latest assault on Colonel Ogbebor’s property now drags the powerful Benin Kingdom into the fray, potentially escalating the crisis to unprecedented levels.

PANDEF’s Call for Justice

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has joined the resistance, urging Wike to act with statesmanship. In a statement, the group emphasized Colonel Ogbebor’s unparalleled contributions to Nigeria and called for the protection of his legacy.

Colonel Paul Ogbebor was not just a son of the Benin Kingdom; he was a national hero. His legacy cannot be erased by reckless actions. Wike must stop this injustice and honor the memory of those who built this nation, PANDEF stated.

Wike Has Met His Match

Mrs. Ogbebor’s apparent defiance signals that Wike’s actions will not go unchallenged. “This is not just about land; it’s about the legacy of a hero and the pride of a Kingdom. Wike may continue demolishing structures in Abuja, labeling them as ‘shanties,’ but my husband’s house will not be touched. Let him try, and he will face the full resistance of a proud kingdom and a nation that remembers its heroes.”

The message is loud and clear: Wike has crossed a line, and the Benin Kingdom will not stand by. Unlike in Rivers State, where Wike’s tactics have sown chaos and weakened governance, the resistance from the Benin Kingdom is rooted in centuries of cultural and historical pride.

“This fight is not just mine; it is the fight of a Kingdom. Wike, you have pushed too far. The Benin Kingdom will not wait forever for its king to intervene. Resistance is coming, and it will be relentless. What you have done to Rivers State people, you will not do to us,” Mrs. Ogbebor apparently concluded.

Wike’s demolition spree may have bulldozed others into submission, but with the Benin Kingdom, he has met an immovable force. Resistance is not only inevitable but unyielding.

The Judiciary and Perceptions of Control
Mrs. Ogbebor’s refusal to rely on the judiciary underscores a broader distrust of Nigeria’s legal system, especially where Wike is concerned. While some justices in Rivers State have recently begun adhering to the rule of law, the judiciary in Abuja is still perceived by many as compromised.

The Benin people will not place their trust in a court system they believe you control under what many sacatically call Abuja judge. They would rather fight to the end for justice than submit to a system they see as rigged. This is about more than my family; this is about the pride of a Kingdom.

A Final Warning: Wike, Use Your Brain

Wike, the message is crystal clear: resistance is rising against your actions, and it is coming from all fronts. While the Senate’s intervention offers a temporary pause, the Benin Kingdom’s resistance is spiritual, cultural, and unyielding.
This is not just about land or politics. It is about justice, equity, and the legacy of a national hero who played a pivotal role in building this nation. Wike, you are testing the patience of a people who will not bow to power, intimidation, or arrogance. Use your brain. Do what is right before it is too late.

Leave Colonel Paul Ogbebor’s land and property alone. If there are unresolved payments or disputes, handle them equitably as part of Abuja’s municipal responsibilities. Let the family make payments in manageable installments if required, or waive any outstanding fees entirely in honor of Colonel Ogbebor’s immeasurable military sacrifices.

If the property in question is not being properly maintained, demand that it be restored to acceptable standards. The FCT authorities can work with the family to ensure that the site is well-kept, respecting both the law and the dignity of Colonel Ogbebor’s legacy. This approach would uphold justice while maintaining fairness for all parties involved.

The Benin Kingdom will not wait indefinitely for justice. Their resistance is inevitable and will be manifested culturally, spiritually, and politically. By targeting the legacy of one of their most revered sons, you have provoked a fight far larger than governance—it is now a battle over identity, respect, and justice.

This is not Rivers State. The Benin Kingdom is closely observing your actions and will not allow their pride or history to be trampled. When their response comes, it will be deep, relentless, and uncompromising.

Wike, you still have the choice to act wisely. The consequences of your actions will soon spiral beyond your control if you persist. Justice must be served, the property must be protected, and the legacy of Colonel Paul Ogbebor must remain intact. The time to correct course is now—before it is too late.