Engr. Peter Omotosho, a resident of Maplewood Estate and proprietor of Eyes On The Future School, located within the same estate, has refuted attempts by Oseni Akerele, the chairman of the estate association, and the General Secretary, Wasiu Oyeniyi, over allegations of defacing the estate’s masterplan, unlawfully converting green areas into a school, thuggery, and physical attacks.
In response to the misleading statements published on behalf of Oseni Akerele and the executives of the Maplewood Estate Residents Association in the Sunday Telegraph on 21st July 2024, Engr. Omotosho believes it is essential to clarify the issues being addressed and also highlight the efforts and commitment of the Lagos State Government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
During a press conference, the school stated that the masterplan for Maplewood Estate was indeed exemplary.
According to the school, the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) is actively revisiting and revalidating various schemes within the estate. However, instead of supporting these government efforts, it was alleged that Akerele and his executive members have undermined them through unauthorised activities.
These actions have been wrongly portrayed as government failures, despite the association’s significant role in creating the issues, one of which is flooding, they now complain about.
Freelanews was informed that the NTDA designed the scheme to ensure any plot alienation or partitioning is followed by requisite documentation, a requirement the association has ignored.
The association failed to complain about the unauthorised construction of concrete blocks on set-backs and the rehabilitation of Scheme (IV) roads. Consequently, the association’s criticisms of the government are unfounded.
Furthermore, the government has clear regulations regarding the usage of allocated plots. Even if an allottee sells part of their allocation or erects structures on set-backs, approvals are necessary. Any unauthorised alterations or redevelopments are not permitted.
Engr. Omotosho said that Akerele, with his extensive experience in the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, should be aware of these requirements.
Yet, Akerele, without approval, blocked the drainage collector, causing flooding, and a security post was erected without approval.
The association even attempted to convert the set-back of Eyes On The Future School, which is the last structure close to the gatehouse, into their exclusive use, disregarding police orders to stop work.
Refuting other allegations by Akerele in the Sunday Telegraph’s report, the representative of the school at the press conference claimed that on 1st May 2019, Engr. Omotosho, seeking medical attention, faced undue obstruction from estate officers. This led to a confrontation with Akerele.
The matter escalated to court, where a settlement was suggested. Despite compliance from Engr. Omotosho, Akerele refused to honour the court’s order to return a damaged barrier, citing a need for clarification from the Ministry of Justice.
The association also falsely accused the proprietor of converting land into a school illegally. Despite providing all necessary documentation to various government agencies, the association remains dissatisfied. The land in question has a Certificate of Occupancy, designating it for “Recreation/Commercial” use.
Cases of residents’ harassment and victimisation were reported.
“The association, under the leadership of Akerele, ignored the court’s directive to handle estate matters amicably. Members who protested against the denial of electricity after payment were reportedly detained for over two weeks, undermining the sense of community within the estate.”
This was confirmed by a former resident and one of the victims of Akerele’s abuse of security operatives.
“After being asked to contribute N200,000 each for a new transformer, we were in darkness for two months with no hope in sight. So I joined others in a peaceful protest against this and demanded accountability,” he narrated.
“Akerele accosted us and appealed to us that all would soon be settled. We dispersed and went about our business. So I was shocked when I received a call from the police station that Akerele had written a petition against me over the issue. I was detained and when I was eventually released, my landlord was forced to issue me a quit notice to leave the estate, even though my rent wasn’t due at the time.”
Akerele has been accused of hiring thugs during construction projects, despite alleging otherwise. Engr. Omotosho informed Freelanews that the involved individuals are willing to testify about their engagement and instructions.
It was also alleged that there have been incidents involving the misuse of firearms by security personnel engaged by the estate executives. This has led to increased tension and fear among residents, prompting police intervention and the recovery of some weapons.
Engr. Omotosho is of the opinion that the sponsored publication in the Sunday Telegraph appears to be an attempt to embarrass the government and its agencies.
He advised that it has now become imperative that the relevant government bodies ensure compliance with regulations to maintain order and progress within Maplewood Estate.
