By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The eviction of the All Progressives Congress chapter of Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area, Kosofe area of Lagos from its official party secretariat has continued to generate claims and counterclaims.
SEE: Court sacks Ikosi Isheri APC from secretariat over rent
According to Kosofe Post findings, the four-flat compound was rented by the ruling party, APC, over the years.
The party used one flat for administrative purposes while the remaining flats were subletted.
The proceeds from the sublet flats were allegedly unaccounted for and used to offset rent arrears prior to the court eviction. Both the past and current party managers allegedly collected the rent and diverted it to other purposes.
However, Ikosi Isheri councilor, Hon. Adekoya Gbadegoke, in defence of Alli, said he did not collect a dime from any tenant.
He added that “he took possession of the Secretariat a few months ago. And the rent being collected from the tenants spans over five years unremitted.”
He further reiterated the LGA Chairman’s stance that he never collected any rent from any tenant, and he would never be interested in doing so. Because such is against the philosophy of his political school of thought, which hinges on integrity.
According to him, “The rent arrears are close to N11.8 million. How come Alhaji Alli collected this sum within a few months of taking over?”
He said after investigations, the proof showed that tenants were only owing five months after they stopped dealing with the old custodian, according to the committee reports.
Therefore, no money was paid to Alh. Alli Olatunbosun for the rent of the party secretariat flats. Instead, a committee made up of political office holders and party excos interfaced to ensure the smooth running of the secretariat. The eviction drama occurred.
The former Vice Chairman of Ikosi Isheri LCDA APC LGA, Hon. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Odufowokan, who served as acting Chairman for a few months, distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the party’s eviction a few months before the election.
He said, “I have never for once collected any rent from any tenants, and I can tell you when I was even serving as vice chairman of the party, I never collected a dime from the so-called rent.”
The former Ikosi Isheri Lcda APC LGA Chairman, Hon. Sunday Jegede, when contacted, demanded an exclusive interview.