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Land scandal: The Truth about Tayo Ayinde’s Involvement
Land scandal: The Truth about Tayo Ayinde’s Involvement
The allegation of gross impersonation and assault over a landed property in GRA Ikeja against Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is untrue.
The accusation against Ayinde by some online publications, including Sahara Reporters over a landed property allegedly belonging to Chief Adetunji Omisore and one Tajudeen Mohammed, at No. 4, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja, was debunked by multiple sources, who revealed with necessary documents that the property belongs to the Lagos State Government and not Tayo Ayinde as alleged by Omisore and Mohammed in the online publications.
It was gathered from multiple sources that the property which Ayinde was accused to have ‘forcibly obtained’ was one of the properties the Federal Government returned to the Lagos State Government, which was subsequently recovered from Omisore and Mohammed when the government needed to make use of it.
Our correspondent learned further that the Government did what was needful through the state agencies to retrieve the property from the illegal occupants.
It would be recalled that Sahara Reporters in a publication titled “Chief of Staff to Lagos Governor, Tayo Ayinde, allegedly linked to over N500million land scandal,” which was published on Saturday, July 23, 2022, accused Tayo Ayinde of gross impersonation and assault over a landed property in GRA Ikeja.
The publication alleged that Ayinde, in a bid to forcibly obtain land worth N500million, destroyed properties worth millions of naira, by using the police and other security forces to assault the landowners.
“The incessant issue of Lagos State officials meddling in the affairs of landowners and their wanton and indiscriminate destruction of properties among other vices was brought to the fore following an unauthorised demolition and sealing off of a property, belonging to Chief Adetunji Omisore and one Tajudeen Mohammed, at No. 4, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
“Fingered in this allegation playing prominently in this saga is the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State governor, Tayo Ayinde, the owner of Watercrest Hotel and numerous choice properties around the Lagos metropolis, who lives opposite the above-mentioned address, precisely occupying No.5, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA Ikeja,” Sahara Reporter quoted a source in its publication.
An independent investigation by our correspondent revealed the story is false, that the claims by Chief Adetunji Omisore and Tajudeen Mohammed as stated by Sahara Reporters that they owned the property and the accusation of gross impersonation and assault over the landed property by Tayo Ayinde is an attempt to blackmail and a gross misrepresentation of facts of the matter about the said property.
One of our reliable sources said those laying claims to the landed property have no legal approval and documents from the Lagos State Government indicating that the land belongs to them. They said there is no way government property can be transferred to an individual, group of people or organisations without the necessary approvals and consent from the Lagos State Government.
Speaking exclusively to our reporter on Monday, a source, who is a top government official of the State Government said the property belongs to the Lagos State Government, noting that both Chief Adetunji Omisore and Tajudeen Mohammed are usurpers, who encroached on the State Government land without approvals from any government agencies. He said the land is part of the property that the Federal Government returned to Lagos state Government and nobody can lay claim to it.
The source said: “The land belongs to the Lagos State Government originally. So, Chief Adetunji Omisore and Tajudeen Mohammed are usurpers. They are the ones that encroached on Lagos State Government land. They started building on the land without any form of approval from the Lagos State Government. They got no approval from government agencies. They encroached on the land and started building on it. So, they are the land grabbers by law.
“So, Lagos State Government is right to have sent necessary government agencies to demolish the building. So, the issue has nothing to do with the Chief of Staff. Naturally, as the Chief of Staff, anything that concerns Lagos State Government will get his attention but there is nothing that concerned him on the matter. That I believe will be his level of involvement in this matter. But he is not the owner of the said property and he can’t lay claim to it, same way the duo of Omisore and Mohammed can’t claim that the land belongs to them.
“I believe that rather than subjecting the issue to the media war, they should have come up with all the necessary approvals given to them by the government. There are several documents to suggest the position of the government that the land belongs to the Lagos State Government.”
Also exonerating Tayo Ayinde from the claim by the Sahara Reporters, a source told our reporter that the Chief of Staff has nothing to do with the land, noting that there is no way an individual no matter how highly placed can personally take possession of government property without getting necessary approvals.
“The land is part of the property that the Federal Government returned to Lagos State Government. So, there is nobody that can touch it. It is a property that individuals cannot have access to. There is no way the land can belong to Tayo Ayinde. He has nothing to do with the land. They are just blackmailing him,” a source told our correspondent in an exclusive interview.
According to a document obtained on Monday, the property in question was part of the properties transferred to Lagos State by the Federal Government as indicated in No 36 of Vol 7 of the Lagos State Official Gazette dated November 7, 1974.
Another document obtained by our reporter, which was a letter written by former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on March 22, 2005, and addressed to the Chairperson of the Implementation Committee on Federal Government Landed Properties, Abuja, showed that the property in question was No 122 on the list of 143 properties transferred to Lagos State Government and it is a storey building located at 4, Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja.
The letter from the Office of the Governor of Lagos State, which was communicated to the then Minister of Housing, Mrs. Mobolaji Osomo, was titled “Re: Release of residential properties and inherited from the Federal Government during and after the creation of Lagos State in 1967.”
From the available documents obtained by our correspondent and interviews with some reliable sources, it is obvious that the property at 4, Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja belongs to the Lagos State Government and has nothing to do with Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor.
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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.
“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”
Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.
In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.
As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets
Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.
To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.
In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.
Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.
Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.
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