UYO-The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ordered an investigation into the controversial demolition of a three-storey building belonging to a retired principal, following allegations that the property was pulled down without prior notice despite claims of valid ownership documents.
The petition, submitted by the International Human Rights Protection Service on behalf of the property owner, was presented before the House during plenary on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Human Rights Petitions, Hon. Aniefiok Attah, who represents Nsit Atai State Constituency.
According to the petition, officials of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Works demolished the building located at No. 432, Oron Road, Uyo, on June 8, 2023, allegedly without marking the property or issuing prior notice to the owner.
The petitioner maintained that the property was covered by a valid Right of Occupancy that had not been revoked and that she had obtained a valid building permit from the Uyo Capital Development Authority.
She further alleged that while several properties were demolished during the dualization of Uyo-Oron Road and their owners compensated, her property was not affected therefore, raising questions about the justification for its demolition.
The petitioner is seeking redress over the destruction of the building, which she reportedly developed through years of service before retirement.
Ruling on the matter, the Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, referred the petition to the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Human Rights Petition for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, particularly the alleged destruction of a property with authorized ownership documents.
The committee was also directed to hold meeting with the commissioner for works and fire service on the matter and report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.
In a related development, the House has adjourned plenary to reconvene on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 at 12noon.