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Ikoyi Building Collapse: Stakeholders Sue Lagos Govt, Others for Negligence, Unlawful Expropriation

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2 years ago

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By Eric Elezuo

Stakeholders associated with the building that collapsed on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, better known as 360 Degrees, on November I, 2021, have sued the Lagos State Governor among a host of others for what they called Negligence of the Lagos State Building Control Agency and Unlawful expropriation of equitable interests in the property.

In a letter dated August 8, 2022,  and signed byTope Adebayo, LLP and
Joseph Uche Anyebe, Esq, the stakeholders, who identified themselves as members of class of subscribers of various units, are seeking an order of perpetual injunction jointly and severally either by themselves, servants, agents, privies or otherwise howsoever called from disturbing, interfering with, taking, receiving or in any way taking possession of, demolishing, divesting and/or revoking the title, disposing of all or any part of the property, landed or otherwise, known as “360° Ikoyi” situate, lying and being at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State.

Read the letter in full:

8th August 2022.
The Honourable Commissioner
Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development
Alausa, Ikeja
Lagos State.
Dear Sir,

MEMORANDUM OF CLAIM PURSUANT TO THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE (EXPEDITIOUS DISPOSAL OF CIVIL CASES)

PRE-ACTION PROTOCOL

We refer to the above subject matter.

We act on behalf of Mr. Oluwemimo Adepoju Ogunde SAN, Pastor Adetola Odutola, Mr. Bola Odutola, Mrs. Bunmi Odutola, Mr. Ghandi Olaoye, Ms. Zahra Temitope Motomori, Kwara Business School Limited, Saikoyi Property Limited, Mr. Adewale Folowosele, Mrs. Foluso Folowosele, Mr. Moses Anibaba, Mrs. Margaret Anibaba, Dr. Oladipo Oluyomi, Mrs. Adepeju Oluyomi, Mr. Tayo Oladapo (members of class of subscribers of various units of flats/penthouses/terraces/apartments in the 3 towers/high-rise buildings on the land known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State). It is on their definite and express instructions we notify the Governor of Lagos State, the Attorney General of Lagos State, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State Building Control Agency and Edge of Design Limited of the Claimants’ intention to commence legal proceedings against them.

BASIS OF CLAIM

The basis of this claim is grounded on the following cause of action:
Negligence of the Lagos State Building Control Agency.
Unlawful expropriation of equitable interests in the property (landed or otherwise) by the Government of Lagos State or any of its agencies.

SUMMARY OF FACTS

The summary of facts culminating in the aggregate action to be instituted by the Claimants against the Defendants is as follows:
The Claimants are members of the class of subscribers of various units of flats/penthouses/terraces/apartments being constructed in the 3 towers/high-rise buildings on the land known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State and have parted with monies as consideration for the various units of flats offered to them by Fourscore Heights Limited.
The Claimants were encouraged and motivated to take up the offers for the various units of flats in Towers of the high-rise buildings on the land known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State and made payments in respect of same on the understanding that the properties are to be constructed in Lagos State under the thorough and strict supervision of a prime regulator, the Lagos State Building Control Agency established pursuant to the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010 of the State.

Despite their well-founded belief that the 3 Towers of the high-rise buildings on the land known as “360° Ikoyi” lying, being and situate at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State would be structurally sound, the construction of same which by their nature would have been adequately regulated and the engineering activities constantly probed, Tower 1 on the construction site however collapsed on 1st November 2021 leading to the unfortunate death of the Managing Director of Fourscore Heights Limited, Mr. Olufemi Osibona and other persons.
The Government of Lagos State through the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development and Lagos State Building Control Agency stopped all building works on the construction site of Fourscore Heights Limited, and took over the construction site.

Lagos State Building Control Agency was negligent in the proper performance of its statutory duties which led to the eventual collapse of one of the three towers on the construction site at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State.

Having made payments for the purchase of the various units of flats in the 3 Towers of the high-rise buildings on the land known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State in line with their individual agreements/contracts of sales with Fourscore Height Limited, the Claimants have acquired equitable interest in the property.

Had the 1st tower not collapsed owing to the negligence of Lagos State Building Control Agency, the subsequent take over of the construction site and prevention of further works in respect of the 2nd & 3rd towers, the Claimants would have taken full benefits of the interests that have accrued to them after having purchased several units of flats in the 3 Towers. The Claimants would have further taken steps in addition to their equitable interests to ensure that they acquire the legal interests in their property.

Owing to Lagos State Building Control Agency’s abdication of its duty of reasonable care and skill in the performance of its statutory functions and the resultant damage following the collapse of Tower 1 on the construction site on 1st November 2021, the subsequent cessation of building works and taking over of the construction site, Lagos State Building Control Agency has caused the Claimants to lose the chance to take full benefit from their investments in the property.

Despite the apparent negligence of Lagos State Building Control Agency in the proper performance of its statutory function, after having taken over the construction site, there are plans in top gear by the Lagos State Government to revoke the title of Fourscore Heights Limited in the entire property lying, being and situate at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State and deem the said property as having been forfeited to the government pursuant to LABSCA Regulations, 2019.
The Lagos State Government has gone ahead to appoint Edge of Design Limited to immediately take steps to demolish the 2nd & 3rd Towers of the high-rise buildings on the land known as “360° Ikoyi” lying, being and situate at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State when independent evidence of an unfavourable non-destructive test results has not been produced.

Any compulsory acquisition of the property at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State by way of forfeiture in favour of the Lagos State Government would amount to rewarding the Lagos State Government by making them take benefit from the negligence of one of its agencies and in complete disregard of the equitable interest of the Claimants which is worthy of protection by the Court.

RELIEFS AND REMEDIES

WHEREOF the Claimants would urge the Honourable Court to grant the following claims:
A DECLARATION that the agreements between Fourscore Heights Limited and each of the Claimants to acquire units of flats with agreed considerations paid, entitle the Claimants to equitable rights and interests in the property known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State by virtue of the legal title conferred on Fourscore Heights Limited by the 1st Defendant in the Certificate of Occupancy Number 48/48/2020A dated 3RD February 2020 and registered as Number 48 at age 48 in Volume 2020Aat the Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.

A DECLARATION that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants were negligent in the performance of their duties by failing and/or neglecting to supervise the construction of one of the three towers at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State in line with Regulations and the negligence led to the eventual collapse of the tower.
A DECLARATION that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants cannot benefit from their negligence by compulsorily, wrongfully, illegally and punitively acquiring or threatening to acquire the property known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos covered by Certificate of Occupancy Number 48/48/2020A dated 3rd February, 2020 and registered as Number 48 at Page 48 in Volume 2020A at the Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State through forfeiture and/or purported forfeiture to the Lagos State Government following the collapse of one of the towers.

A DECLARATION that the provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law & the Lagos State Building Control Agency Regulations, 2019 being relied upon to compulsorily acquire the property known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State covered by Certificate of Occupancy Number 48/48/2020A dated 3rd February, 2020 and registered as Number 48 at Page 48 in Volume 2020A at the Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State by way of forfeiture cannot apply in the face of the negligence of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants to perform their duties and when the Claimants’ interests (as third parties) would be adversely affected.
A DECLARATION that any demolition of the 2nd and 3rd Towers on the land known as “360° Ikoyi” at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State covered by Certificate of Occupancy Number 48/48/2020Adated 3rd February, 2020 and registered as Number 48 at Page 48 in Volume 2020A at the Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State by the 5th Defendant on the instructions of the 1st – 4th Defendants or any other persons claiming to represent the Lagos State Government when independent evidence of an unfavourable non-destructive test results has not been produced will adversely affect the equitable interests of the Claimants in the said properties.
A DECLARATION that the Claimants’ equitable interests in the property (landed or otherwise) at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State covered by Certificate of Occupancy Number 48/48/2020A dated 3rd February, 2020 and registered as Number 48 at Page 48 in Volume 2020A at the Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State cannot be expropriated and/or divested by the Government of Lagos State or any of its agencies.

A declaration that the overt move and the action taken and being embarked and contemplated to be embarked upon by the 2nd to 5th Defendants on behalf and at the instruction of the 1st Defendant to demolish or preparing to demolish the structures of Towers 2 and 3 of the property situate at No.44BCD Gerrard Road Ikoyi Lagos State is a flagrant violation of the Claimants’equitable interest in the aforesaid property.

AN ORDER restraining the 1st to 5th Defendants either by themselves, servants, agents, or privies from trespassing or further trespassing, demolishing or further demolishing the properties known as Tower 2 and Tower 3 lying, being and situate at No.44BCD Gerrard Road Ikoyi Lagos State covered by Certificate of Occupancy Number 48/48/2020A dated 3rd February, 2020 and registered as Number 48 at Page 48 in Volume 2020A at the Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State until an independent audit of the property is carried out by the Council For The Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 1st – 5th Defendants jointly and severally either by themselves, servants, agents, privies or otherwise howsoever called from disturbing, interfering with, taking, receiving or in any way taking possession of, demolishing, divesting and/or revoking the title, disposing of all or any part of the property, landed or otherwise, known as “360° Ikoyi” situate, lying and being at 44BCD, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi-Lagos State covered by Certificate of Occupancy Number 48/48/2020Adated 3rd February, 2020 and registered as Number 48 at Page 48 in Volume 2020A at the Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.
General damages against the Defendants in favour of the Claimants in the sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) only
The sum of N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) only being the cost of this suit.

EXHIBITS IN SUPPORT OF THIS CLAIM

The 1st Claimant’s offer letter dated 19th December 2019.

The letter of 17th January 2020 wherein Fourscore Heights Limited acknowledged receipt of the payment of $111,111.11, the trail of WhatsApp messages between Mr. Femi Osibona and the 1st Claimant acknowledging further payment of $120,000 and the acknowledgement of the receipt of $20,000 received by Ayodele Nifemi to be given to Mr. Femi Osibona.

The 2nd Claimant’s offer letter of 19th December 2019.

The acknowledgement letters of the receipt of the sum of $315,586.78 and $7,708 both dated 25th August 2021
Fourscore Heights Limited’s letter dated 05/12/2019 acknowledging receipt of the 1st instalment payment and its subsequent letter dated 5th May 2021.
The unexecuted contract of sale and the trail of WhatsApp messages between the 3rd Claimant and Mr. Femi Osibona, the late Managing Director of Fourscore Heights Limited.

The unexecuted contract of sale between the 5th Claimant and Fourscore Heights Limited.

6th Claimant’s offer letter dated 28th January 2019 and the signed document showing receipt of payment.

The offer letter (letter of allocation) dated 3rd August 2020 and the 7th Claimant’s evidence of payment of the consideration.

The offer letter (letter of allocation) dated 3rd August 2020 and the 8th Claimant’s evidence of payment of the consideration.

The 9th & 10th Claimants’ offer letter dated 23rd October 2019 and the various GTB online transfer advice.
The 11th & 12th Claimants’ offer letter dated 6th August 2019 and the signed document showing receipt of one of the payments.

The 13th & 14th Claimants’ offer letter dated 27th February 2019 and some of the payment debit advice.

The 15th Claimant’s offer letter dated 15th January 2019 and the signed document showing receipt of one of the payments.

The online newspaper publication of the CABLE with the caption “REWIND: In 2020, Femi Osibona resisted the sealing off of his 21-storey Ikoyi building (video)” published on 4th November 2021 on https://www.thecable.ng/rewind-in-2020-femi-osibona-resisted-the-sealing-off-of-his-21-storey-ikoyi-building.

PROPOSAL FOR SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE

The Claimants hereby propose a negotiated settlement where parties would meet on a date, time, and venue to be agreed upon within 7 days of the receipt of this memorandum. At this meeting, you are also at liberty to come up with reasonable suggestions on how we can amicably resolve this dispute to prevent this matter from degenerating to a full-blown litigation.

TAKE NOTICE that by the provisions of the Practice Direction No 2 of 2019 (Expeditious Disposal of Civil Cases) Pre-Action Protocol of the Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, THE DEFENDANTS shall respond to this Memorandum of Claim not later than 7 days from service of the Memorandum and not later than 7 days from the service of the Claimants’ reminder.
Please accept the expression of our warmest regards.
Yours faithfully,

For: Tope Adebayo, LLP
Joseph Uche Anyebe, Esq.

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Who Will Rescue Nigeria from Political Bandits?

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1 day ago

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October 6, 2024

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By Eric Elezuo

The Oxford Dictionary defines a bandit as a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area. In a layman’s language, a bandit is a basically a robber, most of the times, heavily.
In many professional sectors, bandits have arisen in form of leaders, as a result of their high handedness, disrespect for constituted authorities, greed for power and disregards for humanity. Among the bandits of the Nigerian society are the political bandits. They are members of diverse political parties spread across the judiciary, legislature, executive, business environment and more. The banditry has created dissension across boards, affecting the main and opposition political parties, the Nigerian economy, the judiciary with the infamous conflicting judicial pronouncements and judgments, creating a typical musical staccato.
As a result, while the country battles the known bandits of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Niger among others, the people are unfortunately putting up with the rascality of the new kind of banditry, which shares public space with the populace, albeit politicians and public office holders. But while the shenanigans persist, the government and people keep a blind eye, pretending that all is well.
“It’s no longer news that the issues prevailing in the country today vis a vis political crisis, judicial rascality and the total economic downturn ravaging the nation, unleashing hunger among the populace is a direct invention of the government of the day.
“Firstly, to decimate the opposition parties so as to create a leeway for a smooth return to power in 2027 as well as impoverish the people, make them hopeless so as to feed them crumbs without questions. Of course, the constant phoney distribution of palliatives is a consequence of the self-made affliction,” an analyst told The Boss.
It would be recalled that the nation has experienced more than a far share of democratic brigandry and political banditry since the May 29, 2023 inauguration day pronouncement of ‘subsidy is gone’ by President Bola Tinubu. Apart from the economy hitting the rocks since then, the opposition parties have continually remained on each other’s neck in what political analysts have described as a deliberate ploy of the government in power to instigated crises across board, and propel the country towards a one party state under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leadership tussle has remained endemic, creating factions between those loyal to the Acting Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum and the the rest of the members, with an allegation that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has a superlative control of the leadership; a situation that has made it absolutely difficult for the opposition party to successfully play its opposition role.
“No matter what anybody says, it’s obvious that Wike is working for the APC, and at the same time maintains a strangle hold on the PDP for the very wrong reasons. It’s completely difficult for the PDP leadership as presently constituted to speak against the APC or even Wike himself. It is not by accident that Senator Dino Melaye, a vocal chieftain of the party, described it as a ‘dead party’. You know that New Nigeria’s People’s Party’s Rabiu Kwankwaso has echoed that line of thought,” a PDP stakeholder, who prefers anonymity said.
The crisis of leadership has also divided the Governors Forum under Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, causing the party to abandon Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, in his battles for the state structure against Wike.

While Bala Mohammed had earlier indicated that the forum was considering the return of the national chairmanship to the North-Central, describing the current leadership arrangement in the North-East as unconstitutional, a decision that was supported by Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke.

“My brother from the North-East is currently acting as the national chairman, which is a constitutional anomaly. According to our Constitution, any vacancy in a leadership position should be filled by the region from which it was originally created,” Bala said on Tuesday.

The Bauchi State governor explained that the North-Central region had been expecting the position and hinted that the forum was working with the chairman, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the broader party structure to return the chairmanship to the North-Central.

“We have discussed the issue and will work to ensure that the North-Central is given the opportunity to assume this responsibility,” he stated.

However, Governor Fintiri of Adamawa, in a sharp contrast to Bala’s stance, declared his strong support for Damagum’s leadership.

Fintiri noted that the North-East zone, which includes Bauchi, supports Damagum remaining as acting national chairman.

He referenced a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that restrains the NWC, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Executive Committee (NEC), PDP, INEC, and any affiliated bodies from removing, replacing, or nominating a new chairman outside of Damagum.

“The court’s ruling is clear, and we must respect it for the sake of our party and democracy,” Fintiri stated in a statement earlier issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.

The Adamawa governor further praised Damagum’s leadership for rebuilding public confidence in the PDP following the party’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election, and he endorsed him to complete the tenure of the former chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, a situation many members of the party disagree with.

Fintiri also emphasised that the North-East, having delivered strong results for the PDP in the 2023 elections, deserves the national chairmanship more than other regions. The zone includes Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states, and Fintiri argued that their performance in the polls strengthens their claim to the chairmanship.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also declared his full support for the NWC under Damagum’s leadership, underscoring the growing division within the PDP Governors’ Forum over the party’s leadership crisis.

Makinde noted that, while internal disagreements are inevitable in any political party, the focus should remain on unity as the party prepares for critical elections.

The party also agreed to support Fubara in Rivers, resolving to hand over party structure to him against Wike’s quest to hold to the structure. But in response, Wike threatened to step fire in the states of the PDP Governors, who took the decision. But while Mohammed called his bluff, Makinde pleaded to be exempted, acknowledging alleged Wike’s superiority.

The dissension that has continued led to the party’s loss of the Edo State governorship election. They claimed it was rigged by the APC.

Demagum continues to argue that the party’s rules allow for some flexibility in leadership positions and pointed out that the deputy chairman from the North could naturally assume the chairmanship if it were vacated.

The political rascality has further transcended to the judiciary, where what appears to be judgment for the highest bidder, is in vogue.
This situation has been witnessed in Rivers State, where the several court judgments continue to flow from several courts in favour of anyone, who applies for it.
On September 30, the court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the elections.

The judge, Peter Lifu, cited RSIEC’s non-compliance with its 2018 law concerning the voter register as a reason for the court’s decision to halt the elections

Many lawyers and judicial stakeholders have expressed their disagreement with the court order and stressed the importance of judicial independence.

They argued that the case underscored the unconstitutionality and undemocratic nature of caretaker committees managing local governments.

A lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, noted as follows:

“Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution makes the constitution supreme and binding on all persons and authorities, including Nigerian courts.

“Section 287(1) further stipulates that decisions of the Supreme Court must be enforced across Nigeria by all persons and courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.

“Judgments of the Supreme Court, whether rightly or wrongly decided, cannot be questioned or ignored by any courts or individuals in Nigeria; they can only be criticised.”

Also toeing the line of political banditry in the nation is the recklessness that has been exhibited by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The body has been accused of also giving electoral victory to whomever expresses monetary and influential concern, especially the government of the day. The situation was further brought to light with the handling of the Edo State governorship election.

The situation of almost complete lawlessness that has pervaded the length and breadth of the nation’s political and economic sectors, have reduced the society to enclave enslaved by a group of individuals, who do not wish corporate existence, but selfish fulfillment of individual agenda.

In Rivers State, Governor Fubara appears to have called the bluff of the Bola Tinubu-led APC, the camp of Wike and all, who were bent on undermining his administration, but the question still stand, who will rescue Nigeria from political bandits as the situation is far from over.

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Glo Splashes Millions of Naira on Partners at Luxurious Event in Lagos

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3 days ago

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October 5, 2024

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Globacom, Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital solutions services provider, on Thursday treated its business partners across the country to a luxurious ceremony in Lagos. The event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

At the event, Globacom honoured its top-performing partners that fulfilled all regional and national deliverable requirements with millions of naira in recognition of their outstanding work.

A total number of 71 partners were rewarded in two broad categories, with the winners receiving millions of naira in cash prizes. Category 1 comprised 22 Activation Award winners and 33 Divisional Recharge winners.

In Category 2, 16 partners were rewarded for outstanding performance at the national level. They included partners who performed excellently in Sponsored Data and Activation and those who won national awards in the Recharge category.

The event was held to “honour not just individual successes, but the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and growth”, according to a statement from Globacom. It added that each of the partners “continues to play crucial roles in Globacom’s mission to empower people and businesses, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in telecommunications”.

Globacom shared with them its current and future projections to grow the company and maintain a win-win partnership with the business partners and promised to constantly take their interest and that of other stakeholders into account in all of its plans and projections.

“We are excited about the future, of our continued partnership in serving our customers, fulfilling their needs and helping them achieve their ambitions. We count on you all to be by our side all the way”, the company reiterated to the business partners.

Globacom, which recently clocked 21st, noted that it has grown from being a telecommunications service provider to becoming a Digital and Technology Company, leading the drive into Nigeria’s digital future. It promised to continue to explore unlimited opportunities to serve the customers by investing heavily in the latest tools and technologies.

The company recently unveiled My-G which gives subscribers more data value and more freedom to explore their passions. It has also reinvigorated the Glo Cafe app to give subscribers total control and access to entertainment, gaming, data solutions and other VAS services on their mobile devices. Glo also enhanced the Berekete tariff plan to give unparalleled juicy benefits to subscribers, ensuring that every new business innovation, product and service bring Glo customers one step closer to their goals.

However, the partners had a terrific time being entertained, so the event wasn’t just about business presentations and prizes. Lilian Yeri Danceworld, an all-female dance company with a lot of versatile dance movements, was available to entertain the guests.

Celebrated musician, Flavour, also brightened up the evening with great music, adding color to bring the celebration to a close. Several guests joined him on the dance floor to enjoy his songs and flow along with his captivating performance.

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Charles Osuji: Canada Celebrates a Legal Wizard

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1 week ago

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September 30, 2024

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By Eric Elezuo

From a very humble beginning in Imo State, South East Nigeria, Charles Osuji has not only found the golden fleece, but had nature give him a soft landing on posterity; the evidence of his prolific hard work.

Here’s the story of a man, who transcended boundaries and borders, challenges and huddles as well as barriers to take the legal profession by storm, hitting the highest echelon with panache in far away Calgary, Alberta in Canada. He graduated top of his class with honours from Imo State University in 2009, and called to the Nigerian bar from where he migrated to Canada. He was absorbed into the then Smith Law Office, where he had a successful articling before being admitted into the Alberta Bar in 2014. He became a partner in 2016, and moved to sole ownership in 2017.

Today, Canada celebrates a man of vision, impact, focus, determination and commitment to growth, just as Nigeria walks tall with pride at a total package of dignity, influence, affluence and candor exportable to the global world. His name is Dr. Charles Osuji, the Chief Executive Officer of one of Canada’s most thriving law firm, Osuji & Smith Lawyers. Osuji proved from day one to be a man, who knows what he wants, and it is no accident that he has achieved so much, and yet not rested on any oars. He sits comfortably as the owner of the largest black-owned law firm in Canada.

Osuji’s larger than life achievements have been encapsulated in what most authorities have said and written about him.

In a speech during the welcoming of The Boss Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, in Calgary the week before, Barrister Juliet Omonigho, has this to say about Dr. Osuji

“Sir, let me tell you a bit about Dr. Charles Osuji; like Chief Dr. Momodu, he embarked on a journey fueled by vision and determination. Charles arrived in Canada and quickly rose through the ranks with sheer hard work, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In just a few short years, five years to be exact, he went from a young Nigerian boy in his twenties who, though graduated at the top of his class, seemed to have no prospects when he arrived in Canada, working three menial jobs to make ends meet, to finally getting an articling position after over 200 rejections! He bought the firm just three years after Articling and, in just five short years as managing partner, led it to become the largest black-owned law firm in Canada! His story is one of resilience, innovation, courage and the kind of tenacity that transforms dreams into reality.

“Osuji & Smith Lawyers, under Charles’ leadership, mirrors the journey of Ovation International. Both entities began with a vision, faced numerous challenges, achieved feats that had never been achieved before… and ultimately became symbols of success and excellence in their respective fields. Just as Chief Dr. Dele Momodu has become a beacon of pride for Africa in the global media landscape, Dr. Charles Osuji and his firm have become shining examples of what can be achieved by a young immigrant lawyer with no connections in Canada but through hard work and a commitment to uplifting others rise to national recognition in this country.

“Through the Foot in the Door Initiative, FIDI, an organization founded to empower internally trained lawyers Charles, our firm’s reach is international, giving incredible opportunities to internationally trained lawyers around the world to gain legal experience so they do not have to spend years writing hundreds of applications as he did before getting a foot in the door into a legal profession.

“As a director of the program, we get contacted by lawyers from around the world about the opportunity to be part of the initiative, and we say yes, which gives them the confidence to move to Canada to pursue their legal careers. The impact of the FIDI innovation is truly global.

“Our firm is so successful because Charles has assembled an incredible team of legal minds producing first-class work and the most dedicated and brilliant administrative staff. And collectively, we are all determined and dedicated to giving back. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse staff that speaks over 31 languages; by the way, Chief Momodu, we know you are a linguist who speaks several languages. Our ages range from twenties to seventies, and we serve a diverse Canada.

“As a result of Charles’ leadership, Nigeria is uplifting others regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. Over 200 FIDI students from different races have passed through our doors. Osuji & Smith has won landmark cases that established precedents, especially in employment law.

“Our firm has won over 105 awards across Canada, and Charles was recognized as one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers at age 35.

“Chief Dr. Momodu, you have led the way, setting an incredible example for a person like Dr. Charles Osuji—to rise to remarkable heights while keeping your focus on a larger mission: showcasing excellence, rewriting narratives, and creating opportunities for others. Your story continues to impact us even in the diaspora. It reminds us that with vision, determination, and the courage to stand for something greater than ourselves, there are no limits to what we can achieve.”

For a gentleman, who moved to Canada in 2011, it is quite impressive how he has climbed the ladders of success, and settled at the very height of greatness.

OF CHARLES OSUJI AND OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS

By the age of 30, Charles Osuji, an internationally trained lawyer from Nigeria, bought a 37-year-old firm wherein he had served as an articling student not long before. Today, Osuji & Smith is a thriving small-sized firm that offers multi-generational and multi-cultural perspectives to its client base. The firm’s diverse staff includes lawyers who are educated or trained abroad, as well as individuals who can speak English, Igbo, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, French, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Professionals at Osuji & Smith can bring their diverse legal, financial and lived experiences to the table, which is what sets the firm apart from others.

Charles Osuji acts as a role model for young professionals and as a mentor to the associate lawyers, articling students and legal assistants at the firm. For these reasons, Three Best Rated has consistently named Osuji & Smith, beginning in 2017, as one of the top-rated employment and business firms in Calgary.

Also on the endless list of those, who have one or two things to say about Osuji is the site LEXPERT Business of Law, who wrote in 2021 as follows:

In 2011, Charles Osuji uprooted himself — and his developing legal career — to move to Calgary from Nigeria. An internationally trained lawyer, he came to Canada knowing he’d have to become re-accredited and develop a new network of personal and professional colleagues — but Osuji wasn’t daunted by these challenges. He joined what is now Osuji & Smith Lawyers in 2013 as an articling student, was called to the Alberta Bar in 2014, became partner at the firm in 2016 and then, at the age of 31, made another bold move: he became sole owner of the firm. At an age when most lawyers are still preoccupied with learning their craft, Osuji stands at the helm of a thriving and fast rising small-sized law firm as managing partner and CEO.

Osuji was recently named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers; was recognized in both Canada and Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 Award categoryies; won the Immigrant of Distinction — Achievement Under 35 Award from Immigrant Services Calgary; was recently recognized, and voted by his fellow lawyers across Canada, in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2022, for his outstanding professional excellence in private practice; and was a nominee for the Canadian Bar Association’s 2020 Douglas Miller Rising Star Award.

Osuji & Smith covers a number of areas of law including personal injury, immigration, civil litigation, business, wills and estate, real estate, family, and employment and labour. Clients, which represent a cross-section of Alberta businesses and individuals, benefit from the firm’s multi-generational and multi-cultural perspectives, and Osuji’s willingness to provide these different perspectives sets his firm apart in the Calgary market. He strives to bring an entrepreneurial, multi-cultural and holistic approach to the practice of law.

Osuji is dedicated to providing mentoring and leadership for his staff and is also “a volunteer extraordinaire.” He plays piano at his church, provides pro bono work such as with E-Fry and legal clinics and is a mentor for other newcomer professionals through the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Counsel, where he participates in workshops and panel conversations as well as serves on the Board of Directors and as Secretary.

Despite his fast and furious rise in the Canadian legal community, Osuji remains humble, genuine and kind. His unique combination of high intellect, tireless work ethic and business acumen fuels this rising star, but Osuji remains grounded by his role as a model citizen for all young professionals.

A multi-award-winning lawyer across divides, Charles Osuji remains undaunted, churning out firsts after first.

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