Land Dispute: The Battle of the Oligarchy -By Tife Owolabi

The battle of the oligarchy—often a struggle among a few powerful individuals, families, or corporations seeking to retain control over political and economic systems—continues to define the Nigerian landscape. These oligarchs often present themselves as champions of the people, draped in the illusion of heroism, while the masses rally behind them, convinced they are divinely anointed.

In the recent drama between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and certain military officers over a disputed plot of land in Abuja—reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff—Nigerians have once again split into factions, aligning themselves with one oligarch or another.

While some praise Lieutenant Yerima for his boldness in standing up to what they perceive as political tyranny, others condemn him for obstructing a constitutionally empowered minister from performing his duties. The irony is that both men represent the same ruling class—the lieutenant, an agent of an oligarch; the minister, an oligarch himself.

Nigeria, unfortunately, remains a nation that thirsts for genuine heroes, where anyone can be glorified as one—rightly or wrongly.

Years ago, Mr. Wike, then the Governor of Rivers State, was celebrated for blocking security agents from arresting certain judges. Today, another uniformed officer is being celebrated for preventing Wike himself from executing his duties. Indeed, karma has a poetic sense of humor.

When all is said and done, the likely outcome is predictable: both powerful men will settle the matter quietly—perhaps over a phone call—while the masses exhaust their energy and data debating on social media about who was right or wrong.

This, sadly, is our national pastime—arguing passionately over matters that add nothing to our pockets, enriching only the telecom providers who benefit from our endless online battles.

We have become a society addicted to political drama, a people who unknowingly provide entertainment for those in power. Our obsession with these spectacles gives the ruling class exactly what it wants: a distracted populace too busy to demand accountability or governance that truly serves them. With this latest episode, even stories of grave national concern—like reports of ongoing violence and insecurity—will conveniently fade from public discourse.

And when the oligarchs finally reconcile, as they always do, the “brave” soldier will be the scapegoat—the sacrificial lamb offered to preserve the peace among the elite. His courage will be required, not in political theatre, but on the battlefield where it truly belongs.

All we can do is wish him well in his future endeavours .

Tife Owolabi is a Development Studies enthusiast and he writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.