A group of Lagos State indigenes,under the aegis of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation has requested Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to provide clarifications on the alleged $100 million transaction for the purchase of the 7,000 acres of land by the Dangote Refinery,

In a strongly worded letter, transmitted to the governor, signed by the group’s President and Secretary, Prince Adelani Adeniji-Adele and Mr. Yomi Tokosi respectively, the group demanded explanation from the governor on who received the money, through whose account and how the funds were expended.

Recall that Dangote in the wake of yet to be resolved crisis between the business and the government, said he paid $100million for the land against the insinuation that he was given the land free-of-charge.

The letter addressed to the governor reads:

“URGENT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON THE ALLEGED CLAIM OF PURCHASE OF ABOUT 7000 ACRES OF LAND BY THE DANGOTE REFINERY FROM THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT.

‘We are members of the De RENNAISASANCE PATRIOTS FOUNDATION, an organization whose Objectives includes amongst others enhancing, promoting and advocating a better social order for the indigenes of Lagos state. We also encourage preserving Indigenous Culture, and the use of indigenous languages while further advocating for the inclusion of Lagos Indigenes in Power and general economic and socio economic development of Lagos State at large.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote on the 21st day of July, 2024 claimed in one of his broadcast that he purchased the about 7000 Acres of land he used for his refinery from Lagos State Government and that he purchased the land for 100,000,000:00 (One Hundred Million) USD.

“De RENNAISANCE PATRIOTS FOUNDATION is bewildered on why the notice of the purchase was not brought to the attention of government and how the money was expended without the members of the public being carried along or benefitting from it particularly the host communities in Ibeju-Lekki.

“As at press time, communities in Ibeju-Lekki were not known to have been paid compensation or provided with basic social amenities deom the alleged 100,000,000:00USD (One Hundred Million United States Dollars) as claimed by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

“On the basis of the foregoing, we hereby demand information of the allegation and detailed information on how the money was expended and the account that was used to receive the money.

“Sir, Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 provides that;
Where information is applied for under this Act, the public institution to which the application is made shall, subject to sections 6, 7, and 8 of this Act within (7) days after the application is received make the information available to the Applicant.

“Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 provides as follows; (1)
Where the government or public institution fails to give access to a record or information applied for under this Act, or a part thereof, the institution shall state in the notice given to the Applicant the grounds for the refusal, the specific provision of this Act that it relates to and that the applicant has a right to challenge the decision refusing access and have it reviewed by a court.
(4) Where the government or public institution fails to give access to information or record applied for under this Act or part thereof within the time set out in this Act, the institution shall for the purposes of this Act be deemed to have refused to give access.

“His Excellency, flowing from the above legal positions, we hereby give you the next Sevendanys excluding the day receiving this letter, to furnish the organisation with the details of the proceed of purchase of the land by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

“Take Further Notice, that if you choose not to cooperate with us by not providing the necessary information, we shall be left with no other option than to approach the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of get an Order or Mandamus Against your government in court of competent jurisdiction.

“We assure you of our extreme cooperation as we undertake to pay the necessary fees.

“We appreciate your understanding in this matter and we are willing to provide any necessary assistance at the time of need.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.