A faction of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has urged the National Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against President Bola Tinubu, citing an alleged conflict of interest in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The faction, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, criticized President Tinubu for publicly acknowledging Gilbert Chagoury—head of the company handling the road construction—as his partner.
The President made the comment during the recent commissioning of the 30-kilometre first phase of the coastal highway.
At the event, Tinubu praised Hitech Construction Company, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, for its work, describing the project as a symbol of bravery and determination.
“To the contractors and my partner in daring, it was tough for us… We came together to tame the Atlantic,” Tinubu said.
Hitech Construction is also known for leading the Eko Atlantic City development—an expansive private real estate project built on reclaimed land along Lagos’ coastline.
In response, Oba Olaitan argued that Tinubu’s statement was a direct admission of personal involvement in the project.
He accused the President of bypassing due process, alleging that the contract was not publicly advertised and was designed to benefit private interests, particularly the Eko Atlantic project.
“President Tinubu is essentially constructing a road that leads straight to a private city tied to his interests,” Olaitan said.
“By calling the contractor his partner, it suggests he handed a federal contract to someone he has personal ties with. This is a major conflict of interest.”
He also questioned the decision to commission a small portion of the project, expressing concern that the remainder of the highway might be neglected once the section connecting to Eko Atlantic is completed.
“Why launch just four percent of the entire road? It raises doubts about the government’s real intentions. It looks like the main goal is to serve private development, not national interest,” he added.
The Afenifere leader called on lawmakers to demonstrate independence by launching impeachment proceedings, saying it would be a test of their integrity.
“If the National Assembly truly represents the people and is not complicit, they should act immediately. The President has openly compromised public trust,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress dismissed the call for impeachment as groundless.
The party’s spokesperson in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, told reporters on Friday that Tinubu’s remarks had been misinterpreted.
He clarified that the word “partner” was used figuratively, not as a reference to a business relationship.
“That was not a reference to any business partnership. The President spoke of people who shared in his bold vision,” Oladejo said.
“There’s no evidence of a financial or corporate relationship.”
He also stated that the project followed proper procedures and that any concerns should be directed through official channels rather than used to make political accusations.
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