The management of Maplewood Estate responds to misleading claims made by Mr. Oseni Akerele and the Executive Committee of the Residents Association, as published in the Sunday Telegraph on July 21, 2024. These claims attempt to discredit the Lagos State Government’s efforts under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The master plan for Maplewood Estate was designed with precision, and the NTDA (New Towns Development Authority) is actively engaged in revisiting and revalidating its schemes.
However, Mr. Akerele and his executive committee have impeded these efforts rather than supporting them. Their actions include unauthorized modifications and accusations against the government for failing to address issues they themselves have exacerbated.
Some of the key points of contention according to information include; unauthorized alterations, the NTDA requires formal documentation for any plot alterations or partitions.
Mr. Akerele’s executive committee has neglected this requirement, yet they criticize the government for perceived inadequacies. Their construction of concrete blocks on setbacks and unauthorized changes to roads and drainage systems reflect a disregard for established procedures.
Historical grievances, Mr. Akerele, a recent retiree from the Ministry of Justice, has been vocal in his criticisms. His experience in various government agencies should have informed him of the proper channels for altering government property. Notably, the construction of a security post and modifications to the drainage system were executed without necessary approvals, leading to obstruction of flood drainage and other issues.
Also, allegations of financial mismanagement within the association have been raised, including concerns over substandard construction work and misappropriated funds. These issues were compounded by criminal activities such as armed robberies, which have gone unaddressed by the association.
In an incident from May 1, 2019, a confrontation involving Mr. Akerele and the Estate’s chairman led to legal action. The court ordered the return of damaged property, a ruling Mr. Akerele has failed to comply with, claiming the need for further legal interpretation.
Meanwhile, the association has made baseless allegations against the Estate’s management, including unauthorized land use and the possession of firearms by security personnel. Claims about hired thugs and the involvement of police officers in misconduct have been highlighted without proper evidence.
The recent publication in the Sunday Telegraph appears to be a deliberate attempt to embarrass the Lagos State Government and undermine its agencies. We call for a thorough review by government agencies to address these grievances and ensure that Maplewood Estate adheres to state expectations and standards.
We urge the public to critically evaluate these claims and recognize the ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to improve infrastructure and services within the estate.
