Ikoyi Collapsed Building: Osinbajo Speaks On Ownership Of 21-Storey Building

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has denied reports linking him with the ownership of the 21-storey building edifice which collapsed in Ikoyi, Lagos State on Monday.

The Vice President in a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Laolu Akande said at no time did he buy the land or the building in question as been speculated in some quarters.

The statement also condoled with those who lost loved ones or who got injured in the unfortunate incident when the high-rise building under construction at Gerald road area of Ikoyi collapsed.

Days after the collapse, rumours emerged that the land upon which the building stood had been sold to Vice President Osinbajo by Chief Michael Ade Ojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors.

But in his refutal, Osinbajo denied buying any landed property from Chief Ade Ojo, stressing that the details of all property and assets owned by him are available in the public domain as he has declared them as required by the law.

He said legal steps have been taken against those sponsoring the media campaign against him.

The statement reads in part: “Let it be made absolutely clear that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo does not own and has never owned the said land.

“He has also never been involved, in any shape or form, in the development of this or any other land since he became Vice President.

“At no time whatsoever did the VP buy this or any other piece of land from Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, or entered into any transaction for the sale of that land or any other piece of land from Chief Ade Ojo or anyone for that matter.

“All property and assets owned by the Vice President have been publicly declared.

“Also, the Vice President has never spoken to the Governor of Lagos State or any other official of the State Government regarding the unsealing of the said building on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, which subsequently collapsed. He has, indeed, never acted to influence any other regulatory action on the collapsed building, or any other building for that matter, in Lagos State.

“The Vice President restates categorically that he has no interest whatsoever, and has never had any interest, either legally or beneficially, in the land, the building or development.”

He cautioned those using such a sad event to spin other narratives for their selfish political interests to desist from such action, adding that those responsible should be ready to meet him in court.

“The wickedness and viciousness of a lie that seeks to utilise a tragedy where so many people have lost their lives, even as rescue efforts are ongoing, and in wanton disregard to the feelings and untold grief of their loved ones for political gain, reveals a dangerous desperation, as well as the heartlessness of the perpetrators of such despicable lies.

“Sahara Reporters were undoubtedly well rewarded for their criminal and inhumane conduct. Typical of a hatchet job and deliberately irresponsible journalism, the publication was not signed by anyone.

“The Vice President has referred this disgraceful publication to his lawyers for prompt legal action.”

It was earlier reported that Chief Ade-Ojo, has reacted to the report claiming that he sold the land of the Ikoyi collapsed building to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

Ade-Ojo in a statement he released on Thursday disclosed that he owns the land adjacent to the property on Gerald Road, distancing himself from the report by an online medium (Saharareporters) that he sold the land where the collapsed building was built.

He further stated that even though he owns the next property to the collapsed building, he has no intention of selling it.