Residents of Oniru Estate in Lagos have distanced themselves from a recent publication calling for government intervention against the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal. In a statement obtained through contacts in the estate, they unequivocally dissociated themselves from the open letter published on Monday, stressing that it does not represent their views or position.
It is not clear if the statement will be formally released to the media, but it reflects sentiment among residents who were shocked by the advert from the faceless group. The content of the statement has guided representations made to the Oniru and discussions with the Estate Office.
“We unequivocally dissociate ourselves from the publication that appeared on Monday, as it does not represent our views or position,” the statement read.
The residents expressed their appreciation for the progress achieved through their collaboration with the Oniru Estate Office under the leadership of Oba Gbolahan Lawal. They highlighted significant improvements in estate security, particularly within certain clusters, thanks to the mobile police presence facilitated by the Estate Office. Additionally, they noted that their cluster has become far less porous and is now better protected against unauthorized access by scavengers and squatters.
The statement reaffirmed the residents’ commitment to working in alignment with the Estate Office to build on these achievements and further elevate Oniru Estate into one of Lagos and Nigeria’s most prestigious residential communities.
“Your Excellency, please rest assured that no disruptive elements will be allowed to undermine the remarkable progress we are making under your leadership,” the residents assured Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The clarification comes in response to an earlier letter that accused the Oniru of insecurity, financial extortion, and a disregard for legal authority. However, residents now insist that the estate has made notable strides in security and governance under the Oniru’s administration and that any claims to the contrary do not reflect their collective stance.
Specifics of the Advert in Punch by the Faceless Group
The controversial advert, published as an open letter in Punch on Monday, March 10, alleged widespread concerns among Oniru Estate residents. The letter raised multiple grievances, including claims of insecurity, extortion, and governance overreach by the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal.
Rising Security Concerns and Restricted Access
The publication alleged that the estate had seen an increase in criminal activity due to the presence of miscreants, who were accused of eroding the estate’s peaceful environment. The letter claimed that property owners had been forced to bolster their private security due to the influx of intruders.
Furthermore, the advert accused the Oniru of ordering the closure of estate gates, allegedly worsening traffic congestion and restricting free movement within the community. The letter also claimed that this measure had led to extortion, with residents allegedly being forced to pay fees to access their own homes. Concerns were raised about emergency services, with claims that ambulances and fire trucks might struggle to respond promptly to distress calls due to restricted access.
Allegations of Financial Extortion and Governance Overreach
The faceless group behind the letter also accused the Oniru of imposing unfair levies beyond the agreed title fees, allegedly pressuring property owners into paying additional sums. The letter claimed that these actions violated existing property covenants.
Additionally, it alleged that the estate was being governed through a parallel structure, with the Oniru and his agents enforcing arbitrary rules and fees, often disregarding the interests of property owners and residents.
Disregard for Court Orders
A major accusation in the letter was that the Oniru had defied legal proceedings. It referenced an ongoing lawsuit at the High Court of Lagos State (Suit No: LD/9165CMW/2022), where property owners had challenged the legality of certain estate policies. The letter claimed that, despite a court order to maintain the status quo, the Oniru had continued to implement measures contradicting judicial directives.
Residents Reaffirm Commitment to Progress
In response to the publication, Oniru Estate residents have rejected these allegations, emphasizing that they do not align with their actual experiences. They commended the Estate Office for its efforts in improving security and governance, stressing that they remain committed to working together to maintain peace and progress in the estate.
By dissociating themselves from the advert, the residents have made it clear that any attempts to sow division or disrupt the estate’s development will not be tolerated.
