When Institutions Clash: Lessons from Wike and the Naval Officers’ Face-Off (Part 1)

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By Deolu Oyebode

What happened today between the FCT Minister and the naval officers goes deeper than a clash of authority. It touches the core of how our institutions operate in Nigeria. On the surface, it looked like a simple enforcement exercise: the FCTA attempting to act on a property, and naval officers intervening. But the meaning behind it is much heavier.

If a property connected to a former Chief of Naval Staff is marked for demolition, the officers present are not just defending land. They are defending the dignity of their institution. In the military, hierarchy is not casual. The Chief of Naval Staff is not just another person. He is a symbol of the Navy itself. For those who served under him, allowing his property to be pulled down in public view feels like allowing the institution they swore to protect to lose face. They are trained to defend that honour instinctively. So their reaction carries institutional memory, loyalty, and identity, not just obedience.

On the other side, the FCT Minister is not wrong to enforce planning laws. Abuja has a masterplan. Violations exist. Enforcement is necessary. If structures stand where they should not, the administration has the responsibility to correct it. So from Wike’s perspective, he is also defending the legitimacy of the office he occupies, the authority of civil governance, and the principle that no one should be above the law. That is his mandate.

So what we saw today was not merely Minister versus officer. It was institution versus institution. Pride versus pride. Hierarchy versus hierarchy. And because our systems are not yet strong, that institutional tension quickly took the form of personal ego.

If our land registry were completely digital, openly verifiable, and tamper-proof, no one would be arguing on the ground. If enforcement agencies had enough trust and autonomy, the Minister would not need to physically appear on site. If military boundaries regarding private property and civil authority were clearly defined and consistently respected, no officer would feel obliged to defend land in uniform. The entire conflict is proof that in Nigeria, systems are not allowed to work as systems. Instead, individuals end up becoming the system.

When institutions are strong, the law is clear, the process is predictable, and the resolution is straightforward. Nobody needs to raise their voice. Nobody needs to prove power. Nobody needs to “show who is in charge.” But when institutions are weak, everything becomes personal. Emotions, loyalty, rank, personal history, and identity all step into the space where policies should be standing on their own.

So yes, the naval officers were defending their institution. And yes, Wike was enforcing his mandate. But the very fact that both sides had to confront each other physically is the loudest evidence that our institutions do not yet have the strength to speak for themselves. The documentation on the land must be reviewed. Was it a gift or purchased. No crime, if it was a gift for the sacrifices and efforts doen in helping Nigeria. The chain of command behind the officers must be clarified and I do not doubt it that it is from the Chief of Naval Staff. It is on his instructions/orders that a Sub-Lt (2 star officer equivalent of the Nigeria Army) can stand eye-to-eye with the Minister. Pardon me, even a one star officer would do same. The Military would be very proud of the officer for what he did. The truth you may not want to hear.

May I personally commend all the arm bearers today, for managing their temperament. They deserve more than thanks. Being able to muscle down in all of these tensions is highly commendable.