The Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria has condemned the unauthorised representation of Bamidele Onalaja as the Chairman of its Lagos State Chapter.
The National President of the association, Akintoye Adeoye, noted that Onalaja’s tenure expired on February 22, 2024.
He disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos on Sunday.
The president responded to allegations raised by the outgone Lagos State Chairman of REDAN, Dr Bamidele Onalaja, who faulted the process of the election.
Contrary to Onalaja’s claim that the REDAN Lagos chapter elections were moved to Oyo state in violation of the association’s constitution, Adeoye clarified that the upcoming elections were for the Southwest zone, not only Lagos.
He expressed disappointment at Onalaja, who is also the Managing Director of RevolutionPlus Property, for still parading himself as the chairman of the Lagos state chapter of the association.
The REDAN president said in line with the constitution of REDAN, Section 20(2)(i), elected officers of the association are permitted to hold the same office for a single term of four years.
“The sixth REDAN Lagos chapter executive that Onalaja served in was dissolved upon expiration of tenure.
“Therefore, such unauthorised representation goes against the principles and regulations of our association, which has well-established rules and laws for addressing any grievances or disputes,” he added.
According to him, Onalaja, knowing that his tenure had expired and an election was underway and would be held in Ibadan, also indicated interest and bought the form for the post of ex-officio of the incoming executive.
He noted that Onalaja had been screened accordingly by the association’s electoral committee ahead of the same election and, therefore had no basis for cooking up such allegations.
On the allegation by Onalaja that realtors and charlatans were hijacking REDAN, the association’s president clarified that membership of REDAN was not for individuals, but for representatives of corporate entities.
Adeoye said, “All the member companies are registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission and could not be referred to as charlatans because they all have structures.
“We encourage all members to use our channels for conflict resolution to address issues, rather than resorting to social media platforms.
“Consequently, the national body, under our constitutional mandate, will thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that necessary sanctions are implemented.”
The Vice-president of the Southwest Zone of the association, Dr Kunle Adeyemi, also corroborated the clarifications of the president.
He stated, “The timetable for the elections of all the geo-political zones of the association was out even before the association’s Annual General Meeting.
“All members are aware that the southwest elections would be held in Ibadan, Oyo State.”
It was earlier reportedreported that the outgone Chairman, Onalaja alleged an orchestrated plan to absorb some charlatans into the association’s Lagos chapter, while also faulting that the association’s election was moved to Ibadan.
Onalaja however insisted that the outgoing executives of the REDAN Lagos chapter, in the interim, remain in office until a proper structure is re-established for the election to be held in Lagos.
