Boss Picks
Grand Farewell for Worthy Activist, Yinka Odumakin
By Eric Elezuo
At exactly 10:40pm on Friday, April 2, 2021, the curtain was drawn against renowned spokesperson and human rights defender, Yinka Odumakin as he took a bow off the stage to eternity. He was said to have succumbed to the cold hands of death after spirited battle against respiratory ailment occasioned by the dreaded COVID-19.
Yinka passed away at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) where he was transferred to following news that he had recovered from the Coronavirus disease. No one has been able to explain why he had to pass on afterwards.
Born on December 10, 1966, and hailed from Moro, Ife North, Osun State, the human rights activist and politician, who was until his death, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, was a proud student of the revered University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, and without mincing words, well read.
Odumakin’s early life started at the St. Augustine Primary School, Ondo State, where he had his elementary education from where he proceeded to CAC Grammar School, Edunabon, for his secondary education, and later to Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife, both in Osun State. He attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies from the Obafemi Awolowo University in 1989, and followed up his academic pursuit with another degree from the University of Ghana.
Known as a dogged fighter in matters of human relationship and rights, Odumakin played a key role in every facet of human endeavour where he had been privileged to feature. While a student in Ife, he featured prominently in campus politics and students unionism, rising to the position of the students Union President of his time.
He also featured conspicuously in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a movement that fought the government of Sani Abacha after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, which many people believed Chief MKO Abiola won.
As a prolific spokesperson, Odumakin was among the spokespersons of the Southern and Middle Belt Leader’s Forum (SMBLF) before joining the train of Muhammadu Buhari when he contested the 2011 Nigerian presidential election under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, also as a spokesperson.
Odumakin found love in the cause of activism when he met his soulmate, Josephine Okei, in the gulag at Alagbon where they were locked up by the General Sani Abacha government for protesting and speaking out against the continuous incarceration of Abiola. They were further introduced by the late lawyer and popular rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi. Okei has just been transferred from Ilorin, Kwara State prison. Both lovebirds got married on November 4, 1997.
In 2014, during the government of Goodluck Jonathan, Odumakin and his wife were the only married couple among the 492-member 2014 National Conference which was held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Not a man who holds brief for wrong doing, he had critically spoken against his former boss, Muhammadu Buhari and his government for alleged incompetence among other misdemeanors. Odumakin has also remained a great campaigner of the Yoruba nation, speaking against whatever runs contrary to the affairs and beliefs of the Afenifere. He is also known to be a strong critic of the former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and was said to write critically concerning Tinubu’s alleged age.
CONDOLENCE VISITS AT HIS OMOLE ESTATE, LAGOS HOME
The Omole Estate home of late human rights activist, Yinka Odumakin, was a beehive of activities since Saturday, April 3, 2021 when the death of the human rights fighter became public knowledge. Prominent Nigerians visited to express their condolences on the death of the activist, and solidarity with his wife, Joe Okei-Odumakin and the human rights world.
Among those whose presence were felt were Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, Chief Dele Momodu, Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, Saheed Saito among others.
In his condolence message, the former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel said that the Yoruba nation has lost one of its most valuable lions, describing him as intelligent, suave bold, consistent and constant.
On his own part, the Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, who signed the condolence register in conjunction with his wife, was rhetorical in his condolence, asking ‘Oh death, where’s thy sting?”
Noting that Yinka will be greatly missed, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, said the deceased was a true Nigerian, patriotic and genuine.
Celebrated journalist, Dele Momodu, recounted how shock he was at the news of his death, going down memory lane to bring to the fore how they related at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.
He noted that the title of Senior Advocate of the Masses conferred on late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, was initiated and carried out by Yinka and himself, saying that Yinka was fit to be an accomplished historian.
“Our bond was natural. The story would be told elsewhere,” Momodu noted in his condolence message.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, just like the deputy Governor used the opportunity to advise the Nigerian people to continue to be wary of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, saying that nobody should drop his guard as the disease is real and deadly.
More prominent Nigerians, on Wednesday paid condolence visit to the Odumakin residence to condole with Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin and the rest of the family on the death of their bread winner, and human rights activist, Yinka Odumakin.
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo leading a session of prayers
Among very notable personalities that made their presence felt were Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Dimeji Bankole, Chairman, BISCON Group, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Fuji music exponent, Pasuma Wonder, Trinity House Pastor, Ituah Ighodalo, Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Iyiola Omisore and others.
In his message, Soyinka, the revered literary genius, was brief, but deep, describing the deceased as ‘a dogged fighter’ while Pastor Ighodalo commented on the fact that Odumakin was ‘a true compatriot, a committed fighter for freedom’ adding that his seed be blessed.
Prof. Wole Soyinka and Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
In his own words, Prince Olatilo eulogized Odumakin as a fighter till the very end, saying that the human rights world is consoled by the fact that he left very strong people behind.
Senator Bamidele noted that Odumakin was a typical example of the saying that everyone shall be remembered for what they have done, saying that the many good deeds Yinka is known for will outlived him, and make a way even for his generation yet unborn.
On Thursday, the likes of former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who described Odumakin as selfless and principled to the end as well APC Women Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson among others, took their turns to visit the home of the departed activist.
More prominent Nigerians continued to arrive to pay condolence visit to the Odumakin residence to condole with Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin and the rest of the family.
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo leading a session of prayers
Among very notable personalities that made their presence felt were Nobel Laurette, Prof. Wole Soyinka, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Dimeji Bankole, Chairman, BISCON Group, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Fuji music exponent, Pasuma Wonder, Trinity House Pastor, Ituah Ighodalo, Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele and others.
In his message, Soyinka, the revered literary genius, was brief, but deep, describing the deceased as ‘a dogged fighter’ while Pastor Ighodalo commented on the fact that Odumakin was ‘a true compatriot, a committed fighter for freedom’ adding that his seed be blessed.
Prof. Wole Soyinka and Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
In his own words, Prince Olatilo eulogized Odumakin as a fighter till the very end, saying that the human rights world is consoled by the fact that he left very strong people behind.
Senator Bamidele noted that Odumakin was a typical example of the saying that everyone shall be remembered for what they have done, saying that the many good deeds Yinka is known for will outlived him, and make a way even for his generation yet unborn.
HIS LYING IN STATE AT POLICE COLLEGE, LAGOS
The Nigerian Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of Yinka Odumakin’s Tribute Night was in top notch Thursday as the who is who in Nigeria’s political, social, economic and human rights circle arrived in their numbers to bid the human right activist and renowned spokesman of the Afenifere, a worthy farewell.
The events of the day, which started with the lying in state of the deceased activist, witnessed a free flow of emotions among dignitaries, colleagues, family members and friends alike.
Having taking turns to pay desired respects to the deceased, who was referred to as a fallen hero, special guests also took turns to present heartwarming tributes that eulogised the life and times of the ebullient upholder of justice, who passed on to the great beyond on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 after a brief illness.
Coordinating the tributes, Pastor Jeromi, of the Trinity House Church, assisted stand up comedian, Omo Baba, invited Pastor Tony Oke to presented the day’s bible reading from the Book of John 11: 19 – 29.
WE LOST YINKA IN THE PEAK OF THE STRUGGLE – FEMI FALANA
In his tributes, Constitutional Lawyer, Femi Falana, went down memory lane, stating how his path crossed with Yinka in 1986 when he was dismissed from the Obafemi Awolowo University, where he was into radical activism. He narrated that Yinka had come to Lagos to seek his boss the late Alao Aka Bashorun’s assistance to return to studies, and he (Falana) was mandated to go and ensure that Yinka and seven others were restored to academic studies. Since then, he said, Yinka has remained a distinguished comrade in the struggle. He lamented amid emotions that ‘Yinka was lost in the peak of the struggle’, and advised politicians to ensure that Yinka’s dreams do not die.
“Yinka was a consistent activist, and the best way to honour Yinka is to rededicate ourselves to be more committed to the struggle Yinka believed in,” he added.
Falana challenged the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, which has said that Yinka was an illustrious alumnus de-proscribe the students union of the institution, which has been in comatose for a while.
He continued: “Yinka dreamt that this country be rebuilt, retaken from those who has messed it up and that the provision of chapter two of the Constitution be put to work so that each of us can live a stress free life.”
Rounding off, he admonished Yinka’s wife, Joe, telling her not to allow people to miss Yinka by keeping up with the struggle.
For the immediate past President-General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nnia John Nwodo, Yinka should be phenomenom to be replicated, asking the audience to emulate the life of the deceased.
“When you live in a country where your children are living below standard, and you keep quiet, you are not Yinka’ when you are afraid to speak about oppression, you are not Yinka; when you live in a country where election is rigged without speaking, you are not Yinka,” Nwodo advised.
He called on everyone to take upon himself a touch of Yinka Odumakin, and went ahead to congratulate Joe for the imprints Yinka left in the sand of time.
FOR YINKA, WHITE IS WHITE, BLACK IS BLACK – SEGUN MIMIKO
At this time, a short document featuring an interview Yinka and Joe jointly granted was presented, showcasing the intricate personality the couple shared, before a former governor of Ondo State, Segun Mimiko, informed the gathering that ‘for Yinka, white is white and black us black’, stressing that he said the way it was not minding whose ox is gored.
“The best tribute to offer Yinka is to recommit ourselves to the Nigeria of our dreams because restructuring is an idea whose time has come,” Mimiko said.
A former Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who said he breezed into town to offer his condolences, without knowing that the lying in state was taking place, was brief in his remarks, reminding all present that “Yinka will be missed”.
YINKA WILL BE DIFFICULT TO REPLACE – AFENIFERE LEADER, AYO ADEBANJO
A nonagenarian, who is the president of Afenifere, and one of the mentors of Yinka Odumakin, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, paid glowing tribute to him, calling him courageous, committed and difficult to replace.
“Yinka was realistic, pursuing a course relentlessly and committedly. It is so difficult to talk about Yinka. I hereby urge those who love and believe in him to continue in the struggle,” he said.
HE FOLLOWED HIS BELIEF TO THE END – AARE IBA GANI ADAMS
The Aare of Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, appraised the deceased for his fearless struggle. He noted that though Yinka never held any political position in his lifetime, the clout he drew even at death is a testament of his importance.
“He followed what he believed and followed it through to the end,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to live with that attitude, and lauded him for his ideology, saying that the deceased was always on the same page with him. He sympathised with Joe, and promised to always keep in touch with the family.
HE WAS A DETRIBALISED FIGHTER WHO FELL IN HIS PRIME – GOV BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU
Lending his voice to the avalanche of tributes, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Yinka was a member of the Southern and Middle Belt Region where true federalism issues were discussed, and acknowledge him for his overlapping roles, which form the reason a great crowd that turned out in his honour.
Yinka wanted the best for Nigeria, for the Yoruba nation, and was completely detribalised. Until the very end, he kept going on, working hard for a Nigeria that will reflect true modern federalism. He was a fighter who fell in his prime. We will continue to hold on to the legacy he believed in. I call on comrades of like-mind to continue to push on as regards what Yinka believed in, lived for and died for,” Sanwo-Olu said.
YINKA WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS SERVICES – HON SPEAKER FEMI GBAJABIAMILA
In his tribute, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said though he never knew Yinka at close range, but his knowledge of him from a distance was that of admiration.
“He was a man who has been through the vicissitudes and turns of life and came out unscathed. We are not here talking about his school or circumstances of life, but his service,” he said.
The Speaker urged everyone to look back to the documentary, and ask himself what he want to be remembered for at the end. He condoled with the wife and praised her for being with the husband in trenches, and asked God to give her the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
HE WAS AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POSITIVE ACTIVISM – WIFE, JOE OKE-ODUMAKIN
It was a moment of high octane emotion as the chief mourner and wife of the deceased, Joe Okei-Odumakin, took the podium to deliver her tribute.
“I’m keeping a part of him, promising it will never grow cold. He was an encyclopedia of positive activism,” she reeled out from a voice ladened in suppressed sorrow.
The woman, who first had an encounter with the man that later became her husband in a prison yard, where both were detained for activism, concluded her message with a song, singing “When I remember Yinka, water run away me eye…”
Presiding Pastor of Trinity House, Ituah Ighodalo, who said he was representing Pastor Tunde Bakare, noted that Bakare could not come because he was highly emotional of Yinka’s death, and was tending to another assignment.
Taking the theme of his sermon from Psalm 49, Ighodalo admonished those who trust in their riches to desist from it, adding that Yinka ran his race and was committed to his struggle even in his sick bed.
“All will die…the rich and poor,” he warned, and told illustrative stories of the mortuary, hospital and prison and the grave yard as where people ought to visit to become more humble. He admonished that it is vanity to strive, fight to acquire what we did not bring to the world, nor would take away at death.
‘One day we will all lie down like Yinka in death and leave everything behind’
He noted that somethings are more important than money, which has become a synonym for idol worship, mutual distrust, divide and rule, greed, selfishness and dependence on self. Those thing, he said are wisdom , contentment and eternity among others.
“To Joe, through the love of God our saviour, all will be well. Though Yinka will not be replaced but he will be reproduced. Nigeria will be great again,” he concluded.
After an altar call, Ighodalo prayed for Joe, Yinka’s immediate family, the Afenifere family and other dignitaries.
The corpse was thereafter escorted to the hearse as the hymn Abide with Me rent the air.
Other dignitaries whose presence were felt at the event were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, Senator Ade Tumobi, Chief of Staff to Lagos State governor, Taiwo Ajide, Demola Oyinlola, Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, CP Hakeem Odumosu, Comrade Ayodele Adewale and Pastor Tony Oke.
CANDLE LIGHT PROCESSION AT HOMETOWN, MORO, IFE, OSUN STATE
The candlelight procession for the departed human rights campaigner took place in his hometown in Moro, Ife North Local Government with a great turn out of colleagues, especially civil society groups, led by the deceased’s wife, Joe Oke-Odumakin.
The solemn procession took off from the Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, with beaming lights and walked for distance of about three and half kilometres before returning to the point of departure.
THE FUNERAL SERVICE AND INTERMENT
Yinka’s journey to his last resting place in the great beyond began very early on Saturday morning at the Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, Osun State with a heightened arrival of his remains, which was accompanied into the arena by community leaders, friends and family members, propelled by solemn music from Ebony Undettakers.
Led by the president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, and Yinka’s widow, the guests were guided to pay their last respects as the corpse lay in state.
It is imperative to note that the Delta State government sent delegations in solidarity with the widow of the deceased, who is an indigene. There was also delegation from the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams.
Following the lying in state was a special parade and procession mounted by the state Amotekun Corps in honour of the deceased, and capped it with three gun salute.
Officiated by Bishop Francis Wale Oke, and assisted by Pastor Aboyeji A. O, Pastor Toba Egunyemi, Pastor J. O. Adebisi, Pastor H. O. Fayomi, Pastor Adejumo S. O., and Pastor Tony Okei, the event kicked off in Ernest with the arrival of Osun, Oyo and Ekiti state governors, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr. Seyi Makinde, Dr Kayode Fayemi and their entourage.
In recognition of what Yinka believed in, Gbenga Adeyinka, the anchor of the event, led all activist and social democracy campaigners in a solidarity song to bid the ‘fallen hero’ good night.
Again, as it was during the Tribute night in Lagos, a documentary on the couple was relayed.
With opening prayer from Pastor Toba Egunyemi, the service commenced with hymn rendition, When the Trumpet of the Lord shall Sound, followed by praise and worship by the Trinity House choir.
Afterwards, readings from the Bible taken by Pastor J O Adebisi (Revelation 7:9-17), and Pastor Tony Okei (John 14:1-6) in that order, with an interlude of hymn rendition, Nearer My God to Thee.
The choir of CAC DCC Moro also presented a number as well as saxophonist Michael Ajayi to the delight of the mourning crowd.
Highly struck by emotion, family members presented parting tributes, and said their last farewells, after the elewi presented ewi in honour of the deceased, paving the way for special number by Trinity Voices before Bishop Oke took centre stage for his sermon.
The Ooni of Ife’s tribute was presented by his representative, Solo Kemade Elegbade, who said in the kingdom of Ife, ‘we believe you are not dead’.
In his tribute, Ekiti State governor, Fayemi, told the guests that Yinka Odumakin was not a sessessionist, but a lover of Nigeria, who believed in the restructuring of the country to retrieve it from the canal.
The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, recounted how much of a friend he was to him, saying that he spoke truth to power.
He reminded all dignitaries present of the need to live a life of integrity in other to make the country a better one.
The Leader of the Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo also paid tribute to Yinka albeit with sorrow as it is forbidden for the elder to be present at the funeral of the younger in Yoruba culture.
“Yinka was an Awoist to the core, an uncompromising Awoist. He was a progressive and will not tarry where there is dearth of progressive standard. He spoke truth to power irrespective of who is involved. He will replace Yinka; who will work without reward,” he said amid tears.
He enjoined everyone to emulate the fighting spirit of Yinka, pleaded that the best way to mourn Yinka is to find a replacement. He added that everyone he loves Yinka should fight against Fulanisation of Nigeria.
“To prevent recession, restructure this country,” he advised the government, calling President Muhammadu Buhari the first enemy of this country if he continues the way he is going.
In his tribute, the host governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, remarked that Yinka was a friend to all, and wished him a peaceful rest.
The Ooni of Ife presented a gift of the bust of Yinka to the family.
Joe Okei-Odumakin told the story of how much all the south west governors strived to see that Yinka lived, and thanked everyone who contributed to the live and times of Yinka.
“Yinka, my soulmate, my friend, my everlasting date, my comrade, you are not dead. What you stood for will be alive forever,” she lamented.
In his message, Bishop Oke reminded the people that a day like this will always come for everyone, asking that everyone should live a life pleasing unto God.
He prayed for the family, and asked God for release unto them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Pastor Aboyeji said the closing prayer as the corpse was moved to his resting place amid a recessional hymn, Through the Love of God Our Father.
The graveside ceremony was brief under the supervision of Bishop Oke, with only close family members in attendance.
With a prayer of blessings, the casket was lowered into the grave as the hymn, God Be with You Till We Meet Again, was rendered.
By Eric Elezuo
Mrs. Olufunlola Aderinokun, widow of late former Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank, Tayo Aderinokun, has raised alarm over illegal, dangerous construction and encroachment into her property, Rehoboth Place, situated along Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Shell Staff Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited, alerting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through an S.O.S letter to intervene, call the offenders to order, and save her building, its occupants and the general public from more present and unforeseen harm.
Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Mrs. Aderinokun lamented the recalcitrant stance of the Shell Staff Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited, whose building shares a common perimeter fence with Rehoboth Place, and how they have continued their illegal construction, which has consistently defaced Rehoboth Place, in spite of cautions and deterring efforts employed by the government and the residents of Rehoboth Place.
“You need to visit the site to see how these people have defaced an already sitting building, causing structural damages as well as keeping residents of Rehoboth Place on their toes for fear of more structure collapse and/or imminent danger to lives,” she said.
Recalling that Rehoboth Place was built since 2016 according to all laid down construction rules and specifications, she further stated that on many occasions, the scaffolds and other heavy duty equipment including spanners and huge iron bars, used by the Shell Staff Coop builders, have collapsed and dropped into Rehoboth Place building, causing untold structural defacing and fear of possible fatal bodily harm to the residents. This, according to her, is because the Shell Staff Coop building is less than two metres away from the common fence, while the recommended spacing is from six meters.
Recounting to The Boss the genesis of her ordeal with the building developers and the Lagos State government with the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom she believes is showing unbelievable favour to Shell Staff Coop at the expense of injuries to lives and properties at Rehoboth Place, Mrs Aderinokun, a 67 years old retired widow, who claims that she can neither sleep well in her own bedroom nor park her car in her own compound because of the noise, danger, debris and mutilation from the Shell Staff Coop construction, narrated that the whole illegality, as she termed it, is dated back to 2020, when the Shell Staff Coop building construction started the piling work.
“As at then, I was not in the country, and because of the COVID-19 issue, many things were played down. However, when I returned to the country in August 2021, after one and half years away from Nigeria, I discovered that they had damaged my property, Rehoboth Place, extensively. My own letting agent didn’t tell me, but was rather negotiating with the offenders on how to repair the damages. Naturally, I was furious and demanded both a halt on the project and thorough compensation for the extensive damage. Note that by then, at Rehoboth Place, a bungalow, the bore hole, the perimeter fence, and other structures were already completely compromised beyond repair.
“However, in 2023, I mobilised structural engineers and the company that built Rehoboth Place originally, Cappa and D’Alberto Ltd, to begin repairs of all the damages that Shell Staff Coop caused. The Engineers wrote off the compromised bungalow and common fence, and insisted that they must be brought down completely before repairs could commence.
“However, while they were carrying out repair and reconstruction works, materials from the Shell Staff Coop construction continued to drop inside the compound from very high levels, making it impossible for safe and healthy work to continue at Rehoboth Place. Debris of cement, water, polystyrene particles and bars, tools and other dangerous materials were constantly dropping into Rehoboth Place from high levels, and so the workmen had to abandon the job, and ran for dear life. It wasn’t safe. It was not healthy. Cappa & D’Alberto Ltd wrote to demobilise from the site of Rehoboth Place in July 2023, and cannot return to the site till date because of the danger from Shell Staff Coop construction, while Lagos State looks away!
“As at today, I can’t park my car in my own compound. The huge terrace at Rehoboth Place, next to the building of Shell Staff Coop and the swimming pool at Rehoboth Place, have not been usable since May 2023, till date. While I was getting ready to sue Shell Staff Coop for the damages caused to the building, the scaffolding of Shell Staff Coop fell on the 5th floor of Rehoboth Place on 19th July 2023. This could amount to a criminal offence under the laws of Lagos State as it constitutes danger to human life and public safety,” she said.
Mrs Aderinokun’s complaints to the Lagos State Building Control Agency, under Mr Gbolahan Oki, led to an inspection and subsequent sealing of the site to stop further construction in July 2023.
“Mr Oki stated to me over the phone on 1st November 2023 that the Shell Staff Coop will pay for the damages, and that, ‘even if it’s the governor that is the one building there, they (Lagos State) will do the right thing’. I’m surprised that Mr. Oki is the one who’s no longer responding to the matter today. And on January 15, 2024, the Lagos State government allowed Shell Staff Coop to return to site, and resume construction, alarmingly without addressing any of the reasons for sealing up the Shell Staff Coop building for almost 6 months! The knocks from the close construction of Shell Staff Coop woke me up from my bed on 15th January 2024 and have continued until now, 7 days a week,” she noted.
As a follow up, Aderinokun recalled that on January 20, 2024, writing in her capacity as the Director of her company, Quadro Investment Limited, owner of the property, Rehoboth Place, she again appealed to the Lagos State Building Control Agency via the General Manager, and re-detailed the hazards that the construction of the Shell Staff Coop portend, and continues to unleash, and appealed that the government should put a stop to the building or at most curtail the dangers inherent. She wondered why the construction was allowed to resume six months after sealing up, with nothing to show that due diligence has been done.
The letter, which was titled “Re: Construction of Multiple Storey Building Against Building Regulations Along Banana Island Road, Etisalat LGA, Ikoyi, Lagos, Which Shares a Common Perimeter Fence with Our Property, Rehoboth Place”, reminded the Agency that the ongoing construction of the Shell Staff Coop, was sealed up by Lagos State officials on July 25 2023, when they visited and they discovered certain unpalatable infractions including absence of airspace and protection against damage to the adjoining premises of Rehoboth Place and others, among many other inanities.
In their capacity as a regulatory agency, the LSBCA had, in July 2023, assessed the scene and discovered as follows:
1. That the safety nets were not properly installed,
2. Blockade of public drainage facilities as a result of the construction work,
3. Damage of adjoining property due to effects of construction,
4. Inadequate airspace of right side of the structure.
Therefore, the Agency came up with certain recommendations, which were pasted on the fence of the construction site of Shell Building Cooperative. The recommendation was a point-blank order to stop the construction of the building as a result of the following reasons: 1. The development was unauthorized 2. The development did not conform to the planning permit issued by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority. 3. There’s no authorization to commence construction by LSBCA as required by law, and 4. The structure erected is contrary to Building Control Standards.
The Agency concluded its recommendation with sealing up authorization that the building should stop henceforth with the service of the Order.
“That was on 25 July 2023, but the construction resumed on 15 January 2024 with no evidence of the noted hazards controlled, and events at the site have continued to put Rehoboth Place and its occupants in harm’s way, The 10 inches spanner fell onto the ground floor of Rehoboth Place on 29th January 2024, from a height of about 7 or more floors of the building of the Shell Staff Coop! If the spanner had fallen on the head of anyone at Rehoboth Place, the fatality that could have happened can only be imagined” Aderinokun lamented.
The letter is presented in details below:
22 January 2024.
The General Manager,
Lagos State Building Control Agency,
Muiz Banire Street,
Off Oba Akinjobi Way,
GRA, Ikeja.
Dear Sir,
RE: CONSTRUCTION OF MULTIPLE STOREY BUILDING AGAINST BUILDING REGULATIONS ALONG BANANA ISLAND ROAD, ETI-OSA L.G.A. IKOYI, LAGOS; WHICH SHARES A COMMON PERIMETER FENCE WITH OUR PROPERTY REHOBOTH PLACE.
The above-described development, which is an ongoing construction and adjacent to our property, Rehoboth Place (at Plots 16-17, along Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos) was sealed up by your agency on 25th July 2023 for a number of infractions, amongst which were the absence of protection and airspace against damage to the adjoining premises of Rehoboth Place and others. Please find attached here, copies of the contravention notice and stop work order pasted by your Agency on the construction site.
On 16th January 2024, work recommenced at the construction and it appears that the property has been unsealed. This is despite the continued absence of protection on the construction works and airspace to Rehoboth Place. As a result, both our property (Rehoboth Place) and its occupants have been placed back at risk of suffering substantial damage, serious injury and/or death due to debris and other things falling into Rehoboth Place from the construction site. Please find attached here, photos of some of the items that have fallen into Rehoboth Place from the adjoining construction site before the sealing up of the site by your Agency.
Further, the building remains less than the stipulated distance from its boundary with Rehoboth Place, which is a clear, and continuing breach of building regulations.
In the circumstances, we are left to speculate as to the reasons why the construction site has been permitted to continue, even as the specific contraventions, for which it was ordered to stop work, continue un-remediated, almost 6 months later. It would appear that the attitude that has resulted in a number of building tragedies in Lagos State continues to prevail within your Agency.
We hereby notify you that we will not fold our arms and do nothing, while our property is exposed to further trespass and the possibility of serious injury and/or loss of life to its occupants. Should any injury and/or death be suffered by anyone at all, please be in no doubt that a report will be made to law enforcement agencies and the contents of this letter and those of our other appeals to Lagos State on this matter, will be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
In the circumstances, we are constrained to issue this notice demanding that you enforce the building regulations on the above-stated construction works, failing which we shall have no option, other than to institute legal proceedings to compel you to fulfil your statutory obligations.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Olufunlola K. Aderinokun.
Director.
With no commensurate response from the LSBCA, and the sensing the criminal intent, Aderinokun petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Fayoade, and copied the AIG zone 2, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the Commissioner for Environment, to use his good office to stop the construction before injuries or even death are recorded.
The letter is produced below:
20 February 2024.
The Commissioner of Police,
Lagos State Police Headquarters,
Muiz Banire Street,
GRA, Ikeja,
Lagos State.
Dear Sir,
RE: PETITION ON THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION THAT IS AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY, CONTRARY TO SECTION 123 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW OF LAGOS STATE, 2015, CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE AT THE PROPERTY THAT ADJOINS REHOBOTH PLACE (A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT) SITUATE ALONG BANANA ISLAND ROAD, IKOYL, LAGOS.
We are the owner of Rehoboth Place, situate at Plots 16-17, Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The construction works adjoining Rehoboth Place belongs to, The Shell Staff Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited, whose office address is at Freeman House, 21/22 Marina, Lagos State.
Please refer to the above subject matter and the self-explanatory letter, which is attached here, dated 22 January 2024, written by us to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA).
In addition to the contents and attachments to our said letter written to the LSBCA, please find attached here, photos of 3 (three) more injurious items, which fell into Rehoboth Place from the adjoining compound at various times.
The big blue piece of iron (contained in the attachment to the letter to the LSBCA), which weighs about 8 kilograms, fell from the adjoining compound into Rehoboth Place, sometime in July 2023, while the 10 inches spanner, fell from the adjoining compound into Rehoboth Place at about 10.45am on 29th January 2024. The iron rod that is about 60 inches long, weighs two & a half kilograms.
All the items fell onto the ground floor of Rehoboth Place from heights of 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the adjoining construction works, which are obviously being constructed, too close to Rehoboth Place and other neighbouring properties, in contravention of the building laws, regulations and permits of Lagos State.
We hereby, humbly appeal to your office, to take all necessary action to investigate the ongoing danger to human life and public safety, that is being posed by the owners and occupiers of the property adjoining Rehoboth Place.
Furthermore, we appeal to you, to use your good offices to ensure that the said dangerous construction works, which are being carried out in the adjoining compound to Rehoboth Place are stopped immediately before any further crime in committed, particularly before the occurrence of any loss of life or serious injury to anyone,
We trust in your kind and urgent attention to this matter.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
DIRECTOR.
Cc:
1. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,
Lagos State Ministry of Justice,
The secretariat, Block 2,
Alausa, Ikeja.
2 The Assistant Inspector-General of Police,
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2,
Command Headquarters,
King George V Road, Onikan,
Lagos State.
3. The Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources,
Ministry of Environment and Water Resources,
The Lagos State secretariat,
Alausa, Ikeja.
With no response from the General Manager, Mr Gbolahan Oki, the Rehoboth Place owner, having established a criminal intent with the Police, resorted to writing the governor one more time, whom she had been privileged to discuss the matter with via phone and in person on several occasions. It is on record that Aderinokun had earlier on August 8, 2023 and November 28, 2023 written to the governor on the same issue. But like the manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency, neither the governor nor his office responded.
“They practically called my bluff, without a care of what their silence and inaction on these matters is causing to me personally, to other members of the public and/or may cause in the future,” Aderinokun said.
Below is the full letter addressed to the governor:
29th February 2023.
Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu,
Executive Governor,
Lagos State of Nigeria,
Governor’s Office,
Alausa,
Lagos State.
Dear Mr. Governor,
PLEASE, SAVE OUR SOULS.
RE: IN RESPECT OF THE ONGOING CONSTRUCTION OF MULTIPLE STOREY BUILDING AGAINST BUILDING REGULATIONS ALONG BANANA ISLAND ROAD, ETI-OSA L.G.A. IKOYI, LAGOS; POSING A DANGER TO THE ADJOINING PROPERTY-REHOBOTH PLACE AND HAS CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGES & COLLAPSE OF STRUCTURES AT REHOBOTH PLACE.
I am the managing director of Quadro Investment Limited, the registered owner of Rehoboth Place, which is situated at Plots 16-17, along Banana Island Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, built and completed in the year 2016.
The owner of the ongoing construction which shares a common fence with Rehoboth Place, is Shell Staff Co-operative Investment & Thrift Society Limited (hereinafter called, “Shell Staff Cooperative”) with office address at Freeman House, 21/22 Marina, Lagos.
I am hereby writing an S.O.S., Save Our Souls to Mr. Governor for the reasons set out below.
1. People are continuously exposed to danger of serious injury and/or death at Rehoboth Place because the Lagos State authorities have allowed the construction work by Shell Staff Cooperative to continue, despite the danger it poses to the neighbourhood, its continuous pollution to the environment and the fact that it does not meet the building laws and regulations of Lagos State.
2. In respect of this subject matter, Quadro Investment Limited has written to:
2.1 you, Mr. Governor, by its letters dated 08 August 2023 and 28th November 2023;
2.2 the Lagos State Building Control Agency by its letter dated 22 January 2024;
2.3 the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, by its letter dated 20 February 2024. This letter was copied to, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force and the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State.
Copies of the letters stated in 2.2 and 2.3 above are attached here.
3. In addition to the above, I have made several personal appeals to you, imploring you to grant me an audience to meet with you, to explain the situation to you after my letters and for you to look into this matter and direct Lagos State authorities to ensure that its own Building Regulations and Laws are adhered to in the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative. Unfortunately, all my efforts appear to have been ignored.
4. The on-going construction by Shell Staff Cooperative, which is on its 9th floor and still going up, stands less than 2 meters to its common fence with Rehoboth Place and has caused extensive damage, including collapse of structures at Rehoboth Place. It is posing a danger to life and health in the neighbourhood and at Rehoboth Place. While Lagos State has allowed the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative to continue, the owners of Rehoboth Place cannot use their own property, for fear of danger to life!!
5. Injurious and life-threatening items like big iron bars, weighing 8kg, other iron rods weighing 3kg and 1kg, a 10 inches long spanner, huge polypyrene bars have fallen from heights of 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th floors of the ongoing construction by Shell Staff Cooperative into the ground floor of Rehoboth Place at various times in 2023, and on 29th January 2024. Also, rains of construction water, cement, dust and particles of polypyrene and nylon continuously shower and fly into the airspace, terraces, swimming pool, onto motor vehicles, other valuable properties and indoor living areas at Rehoboth Place. Please find attached hereto, photos to back this up.
6. The scaffolding being used for the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative fell onto the 5th floor of Rehoboth Place on 19th July 2023, which led to a Contravention Notice and a Stop Work Order being pasted on the construction site of Shell Staff Cooperative on 25 July 2023. Please find photos attached here. From then on, the site remained closed for work, for about 6 months, until 15th January 2024, when work suddenly resumed at the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative, without addressing a single one of the reasons for the sealing up of the premises as stated in the Contravention Notice, including the non-application of safety net on the construction site. Please find attached here, shown in the videos recorded in the flash drive and photos of the dangling scaffolding on Rehoboth Place.
7. Since 15th January 2024, construction by Shell Staff Cooperative have continued, 7 days a week, including outside regulated working hours in a residential area, during night time hours, without any regard for neighbours. They start as early as 7am, waking me up from my sleep with consistent provocative sounds of hammer/iron knocking on iron, 7 days a week, week after week, without any break. Also, on 26th of January 2024, I was woken up from my sleep at 12.00 midnight because of the noise of the truck, working past midnight at the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative. Please find the proof of this shown in the videos recorded in the flash drive attached here.
8. The non-stop early morning knocking noise (7 days a week) from construction by Shell Staff Cooperative have had untold impact on my brain, psychology and well-being. Part of the reasons that certain distances are prescribed and legislated between buildings, is to avoid noise from one building into another. Since 15th January 2024 to date, it has been like living on a construction site at Rehoboth Place, every day, non-stop, and not a single day of break. Sir, please permit me to add here, that by God’s grace, I am a 67 (sixty-seven) years old widow, resident and indigene of Lagos State.
9. I cannot walk around my compound, I cannot park my car in my own home at Rehoboth Place and we are not able to use our terraces, because of the showers of cement, dirt, dust and polystyrene particles raining from the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative, onto our cars, other valuables and terraces at Rehoboth Place. Also, we have not been able to use the swimming pool at Rehoboth Place since April 2023 up to the date of this appeal. Please find attached here, the photo of the unhealthy materials from the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative inside the pool and on our terraces at Rehoboth Place, even inside our flower pots on the 5th floor!!!
10. Yet, Lagos State is looking away from this blatant disregard of its building regulations and laws, pollution of the environment, to favour the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative at the expense of the users of Rehoboth Place.
11. Meanwhile, Lagos State recently banned the use of styrofoams and single use plastics in the State. Sir, it is my humble opinion that Lagos State needs to go further and ban the use of polystyrene in construction sites. The construction workers of Shell Staff Cooperative have been seen cutting into smaller bars, at high levels of 6th, 7th, 8th floors, huge polystyrene bars, without any protection, thereby spraying unhealthy particles of polystyrene, with high health hazards to the neighbourhood and onto Rehoboth Place.
12. Also shown in the videos recorded in the flash drive attached to this letter, is the video of Mr. Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency when he visited Rehoboth Place on 2nd November 2023. Unfortunately, Mr. Oki has not matched his words with actions and instead, has allowed the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative to continue, despite the potential of the occurrence of a catastrophe.
13. Sir, my life and the lives of others are being put to danger by the construction of Shell Staff Cooperative, particularly because of its closeness to Rehoboth Place.
14. Sir, I’m not willing to wait until people are seriously injured and/or someone dies, before I cry out to the public. There is a potential of criminal offence being committed by the closeness of the constructions of Shell Staff Cooperative to Rehoboth Place. The photos and videos that I have attached here and the sealing up of the construction by Shell Staff Cooperative for about 6 months by Lagos State, speak volumes and I am sincerely not exaggerating.
15. Again, I hereby personally implore Mr. Governor, to use your good office to ensure that another unfortunate catastrophe related to building collapse, serious human injury and/or death does not happen in Lagos State, in this matter.
Sir, I am trusting in your speedy good judgement in this matter. Thank you, Sir.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Olufunlola K. Aderinokun (née Agusto).
It will be noted that building collapse has remained a recurring decimal in Lagos State. One can recall that a massive Ikoyi building, located not too far from Rehoboth Place, collapsed in 2022, and claimed lives of prominent Nigerians with many other budding professionals.
“All we are doing is to prevent a disaster lurking in the corner, and for me to have a safe and peaceful possession of my property,” Aderinokun concluded.
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