The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has reaffirmed that its South-west zone elections will proceed on Tuesday, April 16, amidst clarifications addressing concerns raised by Dr Bamidele Onalaja, outgoing chairman of REDAN’s Lagos Chapter.
Mr. Akintoye Adeoye, National President, REDAN, said at a news conference in Lagos that the decision was supported by the association’s leadership, including its Board of Trustees.
Adeoye also spoke in reaction to some allegations raised by Dr. Bamidele Onalaja, outgoing Chairman of REDAN, Lagos Chapter, about the process of the election.
Adeoye clarified that the upcoming elections are not exclusive to Lagos but encompass the entire South-west zone, comprising Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states.
He explained that holding the elections in Ibadan was for the convenience of all members, citing past practices of rotating election venues.
“It is not unusual for REDAN elections to be held outside Lagos, as the election that brought me in as president a few months ago was held in Lagos, while that of my predecessor was done in Abuja four years ago.
“The election that brought Onalaja in as Lagos chapter Chairman four years ago was held in Lagos, alongside other South-west zone states.
“So, we move our elections, AGMs, and general meetings from one location to another, as that is our practice,” he said.
Addressing Onalaja’s continued claim to the Lagos chapter chairmanship despite his tenure expiration, Adeoye reiterated REDAN’s constitutional provisions and emphasised adherence to established rules.
He said, “In line with the constitution of REDAN, Section 20.2(i) states that elected officers of the association shall be permitted to hold the same office for a single term of four years for the current executive, effective from February 2020 and subsequent councils.
“The sixth REDAN Lagos chapter, EXCO, 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 also dismissed allegations of realtors and charlatans infiltrating REDAN, asserting the association’s commitment to professionalism and credibility.
Adeoye said that all the member companies were registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and could not be referred to as charters 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.
“We take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a real estate association that upholds professionalism, discipline, and credibility.
“The new national executive of REDAN is dedicated to attracting investment into Nigeria’s real estate sector while safeguarding the interests of subscribers and investors, he said.
Also, the Vice President of the association, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, corroborated the national president’s views, emphasising the transparent election process.
Adeyemi noted that the timetable for the elections of all the geopolitical zones of the association was out before the association’s AGM, and all members were aware that the south-west elections would take place in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that REDAN Lagos outgoing chairman, Onalaja, alleged an orchestrated plan to absorb some charlatans into the REDAN Lagos chapter, while also faulting that the association’s election was moved to Ibadan.
Onalaja, however, insisted that the outgoing executives of REDAN Lagos, in the interim, remain in office until a proper structure is re-established for the election to be held in Lagos.(NAN)
