By Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – Prominent Liberian businessman Dr. C. Nelson Oniyama has raised concerns over public statements made by Public Works Minister Roland Lafayette Giddings regarding a parcel of land in the Hotel Africa Community that is currently the subject of litigation before the Civil Law Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County.
Dr. Oniyama, General Manager of Monrovia Breweries, Inc. and proprietor of the Seaview Golf Course in Virginia, described the Minister’s comments as prejudicial and potentially harmful to his constitutional right to a free, fair, and impartial hearing.
The dispute remains pending before the Civil Law Court and has not yet been adjudicated.
Concerns Over Minister’s Remarks
Appearing on Prime FM’s Morning Drive program on July 21, 2026, Minister Giddings reportedly stated:
“Dr. Oniyama doesn’t own it! He didn’t buy it!”
The Minister further asserted that the Government would repossess the land regardless of whether the matter proceeds through the courts, alleging that individuals had unlawfully occupied portions of the Hotel Africa property.
Counselors representing Dr. Oniyama contend that the remarks amount to a public declaration that their client is an illegal occupant before the court has had an opportunity to determine the merits of the case.
According to sources close to the legal team, such statements by a senior government official risk undermining the judicial process, damaging Dr. Oniyama’s reputation, and exposing him to public ridicule.
Dr. Oniyama is widely recognized as the first Liberian to serve as General Manager of Monrovia Breweries, Inc. since the company’s establishment in 1957 and is regarded as one of the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
Background of the Dispute
Court documents indicate that the dispute dates back to October 6, 2025, when agents of the Ministry of Public Works allegedly entered property occupied by the Seaview Golf Course in the Hotel Africa vicinity, marked structures with the inscription “MPW Remove,” and erected cornerstones around portions of the land.
Dr. Oniyama’s legal team maintains that the Ministry’s actions were unlawful and beyond its legal authority. On October 8, 2025, counsel informed the Minister that Dr. Oniyama was the lawful owner of the property and submitted title deeds in support of that claim.
In a response dated October 14, 2025, Minister Giddings reportedly maintained that the Ministry would proceed with plans to demolish structures on the property despite the documentation presented.
As a result, Dr. Oniyama filed a Petition for Judicial Review before the Civil Law Court. The court subsequently ordered the removal of the cornerstones erected by the Ministry. That matter has remained pending since October 2025.
While the Judicial Review proceedings were still before the court, the General Services Agency (GSA) and the Ministry of Justice filed a separate Petition for Cancellation of Deed on June 22, 2026, naming Dr. Oniyama and Mr. Adam Monibah as respondents.
The petition seeks to invalidate Dr. Oniyama’s deed on grounds that the acquisition allegedly failed to satisfy required procedures and was not subjected to review by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC).
Oniyama Challenges Government Claims
In court filings, Dr. Oniyama has denied the allegations and argued that his acquisition of the property was lawful.
His legal team contends that the property was acquired through transactions authorized by the Liberia Land Authority under the Liberia Land Authority Act of 2018 and the Land Rights Act of 2018, both of which recognize private ownership rights and empower the Authority to convey public land.
The defense also points to a lease agreement executed by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs on January 20, 2004, covering approximately 5.58 acres in the Hotel Africa area. A subsequent authorization granted on December 10, 2004 allegedly permitted the use of additional land for golf-related activities.
According to the defense, these agreements established lawful possession and occupancy rights long before the current dispute arose.
Dr. Oniyama’s legal team further argues that the Government later granted a Development Grant Deed to the Seaview Golf Course as part of efforts to encourage investment in golf development. They maintain that the deed remains valid because the golf course continues to operate for its intended purpose.
Regarding allegations of PPCC violations, the defense contends that the procurement laws cited by the Government are inapplicable because the original lease and occupancy arrangements predated the establishment of the PPCC. They also argue that Dr. Oniyama possessed a right of first refusal based on his longstanding occupancy and investment in the property.
The defense additionally rejects claims that Dr. Oniyama acquired 100 acres of land, insisting that all transactions involving the property were conducted through the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
Rule of Law Concerns
Legal observers note that the controversy now extends beyond the ownership dispute itself and raises broader concerns about respect for the rule of law and the principle of sub judice, which discourages public commentary capable of influencing matters pending before the courts.
Dr. Oniyama’s legal team argues that public officials should refrain from making statements that could prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings or appear to predetermine the outcome of cases awaiting adjudication.
