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Son of Late Billionaire Chief Anthony Olujinmi Lawanson raises alarm over attempts on his life by his brother Former Commissioner of transport Lagos state Ladi Lawanson Over Their Late Fathers Assets

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2 years ago

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Gbolahan Lawanson is one of the Sons of Prominent Business Mogul Chief AO  l Lawanson.. Who died sometime in 1998. Apparently since the death of the Patriach their brother Ladi Lawanson, who became a commissioner under former Governor Ambode, had been stripping the family off its assets and selling at discount prices

 

Most of the family members did not realize what Ladi Lawanson was doing till his exposure by his younger brothers, Gbolahan Lawanson.

 

In his attempts to cover up the monumental stealing and in turn destroying the legacy their hard working father left behind, Ladi apparently acquired the services of AIG ADELEKE as an accomplice to achieve his selfish aims.

 

Seeing Gbolahan as the arrowhead to the opposition against his continuous looting he decided on a plan to arrange false petitions against him, so that the AIG ADELEKE can use to cage him while they both use their power to loot the family wealth dry.

Ladi Lawanson

We gathered reliably that recently at a family meeting chaired by their elder sister, Gbolahan Lawanson exposed the monumental stealing by Ladi that runs into over a billion naira. The entire family was shocked at the revelation. When the elder sister looked into the stripped assets, and this led to Ladi’s desperation to get rid of anyone blocking his way.

 

“At a Family meeting held on the 23rd of January 2022, by  siblings, post their Mother’s Funeral rites of January 21st, 2022, Gbolahan Lawanson was asked to render financial and other accounts of the family assets being managed directly by him. Which he duly gave accounts as advised and handed the assets in his possession to their elder Sister. Right there and then he noted that as part of the family assets, over three (3) acres of vast land worth the sum of N650million, company shares in various blue chip companies in their Late Father’s name, worth the sum of N250 million, the sum of N100 million lease rentals resulting from the lease of the family’s petrol station to Total Nigeria and the sum of N20 Million lease rentals resulting from the lease of the roof-top to the family’s property situated at No. 8 Lawanson Road, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, to Globacom Limited for construction of their communications mast,  are all unaccounted for and were directly handled by Ladi Lawanson (Ladi).  It was also indicated that Ladi should be asked to render accounts for these assets. From the day he (Ladi) was instructed to render the stated accounts, Ladi vowed to deal decisively with Gbolahanand use all the power he has and connection to get rid of him. He boasted that he has ‘friends’ in the police force and that he was going to have Gbolahan locked up and gotten rid of “ the source hinted.

 

A Family source who would like to be anonymous, claims that Ladi and Gbolahan became bitter enemies when Ladi tried to evict their late brothers Wife from their brothers home two months after the death of their elder brother Rotimi. This action infuriated Gbolahan who vehemently opposed Ladi’s action. It got so bad that when Gbolahan was contesting an election last year, his brother Ladi, was his fierce opponent. Who went as far as to team up with the opposing camp to fight against him.

 

These and other expose was what led to Gbolahan’s manhandling and illegal arrest by the AIG Adeleke, whom we gathered Ladi had used for his hatchet job to deal with Gbolahan as he had earlier boasted.

 

“We gathered that on the 24th of May, 2022, Gbolahan was invited to visit the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (A.I.G) Adeyinka Adeleke, on the pretext that the A.I.G. wanted to mediate between the two brothers (Ladi Lawanson & Gbolahan). The opposite was the case as we learnt that upon his  arrival to the A.I.G’s office in courteous compliance with the received invitation, he was confronted with over eight (8) people, with some of them being unknown to him, brandishing petitions against him.  The petitions had never been served prior to the invitation. These people included representatives of Globacom Limited, Vixen Enterprises and a lawyer representing Mr Akin Lawanson.

Akin Lawanson is late chief lawanson’s brother, who also has a questionable character with pending court cases of forgery of documents.  These people were all present at the A.I.G.’s office, alleging that Gbolahan threatened their lives, all of this as a game plan of Ladi.

Without listening to Gbolahan’s side of the story, The A.I.G Adeleke looked at him directly and said ‘I WILL DEAL WITH YOU AND TEACH YOU A LESSON’. He then ordered the Commander of the Monitoring Team to detain him with a “NO BAIL’ option. “I was there,  locked up in a cell at Zone 2 Police Quarters at Onikan, Lagos on the 24th of May, 2022, prevented from contacting my Lawyers neither was I allowed to inform my Wife of my whereabouts. I was held for 20 hours at the prison cell with no access to water nor food”. Gbolahan told us in a telephone conversation.

He said further that he was also taken to tinubu magistrate court paraded like a criminal, and this was Ladi’s mission to really deal with him if he had been remanded in the prison.

“On the morning of 25th May, 2022, I was driven to Tinubu Magistrate court by six (6) heavily armed policemen and paraded like a criminal. The intention of the police was for me to be further detained at the Ikoyi Prisons pending bail application. The case has been scheduled for hearing on June 20th, 2022”.

 

Speaking further, Gbolahan told this news medium that, “I also note that Ladi Lawanson had informed me directly that being a former Commissioner of Transport of Lagos State, he has acolytes everywhere.  In this regard, I submit that Ladi Lawanson acquired the services of A.I.G Adeyinka Adeleke and the instrumentality of the A.I.G.’s office to harass and detain me unlawfully”.

“I cannot be intimidated on my birthright neither would I let anybody disinherit my younger ones or anybody else in the family”

It is a situation that has united all of the Lawanson’s against Ladi, even though most of them were too young to oppose Ladi when their father died in 1998.

 

Gbolahan who is quite successful on his own right is known to be a people’s man and has a large grass roots following in Lawanson/Surulere environs .His popularity apparently is also a threat to his brother who is known to be a close ally to a top politician, which we gathered is the forces he has always lay claims on to deal with anyone that crosses his path.

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

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6 hours ago

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April 24, 2024

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In the intricate mosaic of Nigeria’s societal fabric, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a beacon of commitment, resilience, and service.

 

Born on March 6th, 1973, in Lagos, he draws from a lineage steeped in political legacy, being the grandson of the late Premier of Western Region, Alhaji Daudu Sooroye Adegbenro. Raised in a family that values service to the community, Otunba Adegbenro has carved his path as a distinguished figure in Nigerian society.

 

The culmination of his familial heritage and dedication to community service was marked by his installation as the first Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

 

This historic event, which took place on January 20th, 2018, under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Dosunmu II, traditional ruler of Owu kingdom, reinforced Otunba Adegbenro’s deep-rooted ties to his cultural heritage and commitment to uplifting his people.

 

Beyond his traditional titles, his influence extends globally, with his appointment as High Commissioner by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), where he spearheads foreign special missions aimed at preventing illegal migration and human trafficking. This appointment is a testament of his reputation as a renowned security expert and industrialist, whose expertise transcends national borders.

 

In his role as the acting Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), Otunba Adegbenro has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to combating threats to national security. His vast experience in security consultancy and supply of security gadgets has positioned him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s security landscape.

 

However, Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom’s contributions extend beyond the realm of security.

 

Through his foundation, the Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), he channels his resources towards uplifting the less privileged in society. With initiatives ranging from the provision of boreholes to communities lacking access to clean water, to scholarships for deserving students, he exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and communal solidarity.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Otunba Adegbenro once acknowledged the challenges he has faced, from navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to confronting societal stereotypes.

 

Yet, through it all, he remains resolute in his commitment to service and upliftment. His philosophy, rooted in faith and compassion, drives him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, regardless of obstacles encountered along the way.

 

Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the common good. In him, Nigerians find not only a visionary leader but a compassionate steward of progress, whose impact reverberates far beyond the shores of his homeland.

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Society

Real Reasons WPG, Parent Company Of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, Sacks Ex-MD/CEO, Tinuade Sanda With Immediate Effect

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10 hours ago

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April 24, 2024

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West Power & Gas Limited, the parent company of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP) has sacked the immediate former MD/CEO of the electricity distribution company, Ms Tinuade Sanda.

Sanda’s appointment with WPG Ltd was terminated in a letter signed by the company chairman, Charles Momoh and dated April 17, 2024.

The letter titled, ‘Termination Of Contract Of Employment,’ said Ms Sanda’s termination of employment takes effect from the date on the letter.

It reads, “We refer to your contract of employment dated April 1, 2022, signed between you and WPG Limited [the “Contract”].

“We hereby advise you that your services are no longer required and accordingly your employment with WPG Ltd is hereby terminated effective April 17, 2024, in accordance with clause 10.2 of the Contract.

“WPG Ltd is obligated to pay you three months salary in lieu of notice and hereby advise you that the due amounts have been credited to your account.

“You are requested to kindly return all company’s properties (whether WPG or EKEDP) in your possession which will include but not limited to laptops, identity card, and status car upon your receipt of this letter.”

“We wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” it added.

On March 26, Society Reporters reported that Ms Sanda had been suspended by EKEDP and directed to return to WPG, from where she had been seconded to the electricity company.

The suspension was in line with a directive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the EKEDP board to suspend with immediate effect all the workers of WPG Limited working with the company.

WPG is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has a stake in EKEDP. The consortium of local businesses acquired a 60% stake and controlling interest in EKEDP (Eko Disco).

We gathered that the directive might be connected with the recent petition by some concerned staff members of EKEDP to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for intervention in the alleged endemic corruption in the management of the electricity distribution firm.

Although the company had dismissed the allegation, describing it as unfounded, the accusers continued to push for external investigation.

Society Reporters reported on March 18, that the Board of Directors and Management of the electricity distribution company had cleared all the staff members accused of corruption and other fraudulent practices.

The Board in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dere Otubu, titled “Eko Disco Management Cleared In ‘Ghost Worker’ Investigation,” said that the investigation into the ‘ghost workers’ allegations had been concluded and findings indicated that the allegations of fraud, negligence, or conspiracy against some members of staff were unfounded.

However, in compliance with the directive of NERC, the Board Chairman, Otubu, directed Ms Sanda to leave her position as MD/CEO of EKEDP, as she was also seconded from WPG.

But reacting to the report, Director and Chairman, Legal and Regulatory Committee, Mr. Babor Egeregor, faulted the Board Chairman’s letter suspending the MD/CEO and others on secondment, insisting that Ms Sanda remained the CEO of EKEDP.

Indeed, we learnt that following the directive, the MD/CEO, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Auditor and Compliance Officer and others on secondment at the company handed over their handover notes to their subordinates as directed.

A copy of the letter addressed to the MD/CEO signed by the board chairman, dated March 25, 2024 and obtained by us, is titled: ‘Implementation Of NERC Directive On Seconded Staff.’

The letter read, “We have received a NERC directive dated March 21, 2024, which instructed Eko Electricity Distribution Plc inter alia, as follows: ‘EKEDC is hereby directed to ensure that all staff working for the utility are employed by the utility directly, bound by applicable service conditions that are applicable to the employees of the utility and paid through the utilities payroll.’

“The Disco is obligated to obey these directives due to the powers of NERC as stipulated in the Electricity Act 2023. In compliance with the above directive, all seconded staff from WPG Ltd are being released by Eko Electricity Distribution Plc and returned to WPG Ltd.

“You are hereby relieved of your role, office, and position at Eko Electricity Distribution Plc effective immediately and returned to WPG Ltd your Employer.

“You are further directed to hand over to the highest ranking staff of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc under you.

“We hereby record our appreciation of your valuable services and contribution to the growth and successes achieved by Eko Electricity Distribution Plc over the years as a seconded staff from WPG.”

A source told this platform that those affected were discovered to have been operating with a ‘double standard’ on the job.

The Director of IT department, JP Attueyi, a WPG staff member also seconded to EKEDC, swiftly handed over to the most senior person in his department.

In his handover note, addressed to the IT Department and Temitope Odufuwa, dated March 25, Attueyi said it was in compliance with the directive of the chairman.

It partly read: “As you may be aware, I am a WPG staff seconded to EKEDC – WPG owns EKEDC. Today I got an email from the EKEDC Chairman saying that all WPG staff have been recalled back to the parent company effective immediately. As such, I will be handing over to Tope to run the IT department.”

“Please give him the necessary support as we navigate this period,” he wrote.

 

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Society

Just In: EFCC Arrests Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika Over Alleged N8bn Nigeria Air Fraud

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1 day ago

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April 23, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, The PUNCH is reporting.

Our correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, observed the embattled former minister’s arrival at the anti-graft agency’s Abuja office.

Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Impeccable anti-graft sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to speak, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday.

“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

In February, It was exclusively reported that the EFCC was investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A credible source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that the anti-graft commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.

 

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banksy.

It was further revealed that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.

It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

The source said Abubakar Sirika, who was arrested on Sunday, February 4, has since been assisting the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during Mr Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC investigator said, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.

“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.

“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.

“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.

“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”

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