Abuja, Nigeria — November 15, 2025
Peace has returned to the tense land dispute between FCT Minister Muhammad Bello Wike and Naval Officer A.M. Yerima following intervention by President Bola Tinubu. The disagreement, which escalated into public statements and legal threats, centered on ownership and development rights for a high-profile property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to sources close to the mediation, President Tinubu convened meetings with both parties, urging dialogue and compromise. Officials confirmed that the parties agreed to a framework for resolving the dispute amicably, avoiding prolonged litigation and public tension.
The incident had drawn national attention, with social media users debating the influence of politics and the military on land administration in Abuja. Analysts say Tinubu’s swift intervention reflects the government’s commitment to stability in the FCT, a region prone to disputes over valuable property and land allocation.
In a joint statement following the resolution, Wike and Yerima expressed gratitude to the President and pledged to focus on collaboration rather than confrontation moving forward. The agreement also includes measures to ensure transparent documentation and future compliance with FCT land regulations.
Legal experts suggest the resolution could serve as a model for settling similar high-stakes land disputes in Nigeria, combining executive mediation with formal regulatory oversight.
Sources
Vanguard Nigeria — coverage of Tinubu’s mediation efforts
The Guardian Nigeria — details of the dispute and joint statement
Punch Newspaper — analysis of FCT land regulations and implications
Channels TV — eyewitness reports on public reactions
Premium Times — commentary from legal experts
