The leadership of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has decried a plan to hijack and absorb some alleged imposters into the association.
This was contained in a statement signed by the state chapter’s Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Onalaja, and the General Secretary, Toby Ifada; a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Friday.
Onalaja said an investigation revealed that many realtors with non-existent identities and names have been fraudulently registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, in order to manipulate the electoral process for his successor, the outgoing chairman and his executive members.
He said, “It is pertinent to state that REDAN as the principal agency and umbrella body of the organised real estate sector, recognised by the central and state governments of Nigeria, does not admit realtors as its members due to differences in objectives and responsibilities.
“To execute their devious ploy, we have discovered that the upcoming election has been scheduled to take place in Oyo State, in clear violation of the association’s constitution.”
He called on both Lagos and Oyo State Governments, as well as REDAN’s Board of Trustees to take immediate action and stop this travesty, which if allowed to happen, will largely erase the achievements and successes that the Lagos State chapter of REDAN has recorded since its inception in 2020.
He also noted that in addition to erasing the achievements of REDAN Lagos, the massive admission of all manner of companies without proper KYC will further erase the credibility of the body.
“Hence, we implore the anti-graft agencies, the EFCC, ICPC and relevant authorities to promptly begin a comprehensive investigation into this fraudulent scheming.
“We are also urging the general public to disregard all memo, press releases or advert from these imposters and avoid being scammed by these impostors.
“In the interim, the outgoing EXCOS will remain in office until all issues are resolved and proper structure is re-established to ensure that the election is held in Lagos State, with registered and verified members as voting blocs.
“We seek the cooperation of all, in ensuring the prestige and reputation of the Lagos chapter is retained and the foundation built over four years is continued,” the statement read.
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