Founder and publisher of ObjecTV Media, Segun Olawoye
A Nigerian journalist and media entrepreneur, Segun Olawoye, has raised an alarm over an alleged threat to his life, declaring that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, should be held responsible if anything happens to him.
Olawoye, the founder and publisher of ObjecTV Media, made the allegation during a press briefing where he disclosed that he received a cryptic WhatsApp message from a phone number he later identified as belonging to the minister.
According to the journalist, the dispute between him and the minister is linked to a secret recording of a meeting connected to the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
He said the meeting took place in August 2025 after protesters stormed the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Worksin Abuja to oppose the realignment of the Lagos section of the highway project.
Olawoye explained that he discreetly recorded the meeting due to fears that the protest could escalate into violence.
“Based on my experience as a journalist who had covered protests that degenerated into violence in the past, I immediately activated my discreet recording gadget,” he said.
He added that the recording later became a source of tension between him and the minister.
Alleged WhatsApp Message
The journalist claimed that on March 8, 2026, he received a WhatsApp message from an unsaved number which later identified itself as belonging to the minister.
According to him, the sender accused him of secretly recording their conversation and sharing it publicly.
Part of the message reportedly read: “You came to my office and secretly videoed our conversations and shared… You have no right to do that.”
The sender allegedly added that the journalist still had an opportunity to apologise “on my terms.”
Journalist Expresses Fear
Olawoye said he decided to make the issue public because he feared the alleged message could be interpreted as a threat to his safety.
“As of today, March 12, 2026, I am in good health. I have no suicidal thoughts,” he said.
“If anything happens to me, Engr. David Nweze Umahi should be held responsible.”
Background To The Dispute
The controversy is reportedly tied to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Olawoye said some communities and investors had protested the realignment of parts of the road, claiming that several properties were affected, including the WinHomes Estate.
He added that representatives of the affected parties were later invited to a meeting with the Minister of Works to discuss the matter.