Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has distanced himself from the Ikoyi high-rise building that collapsed recently saying he is not the owner of the land the building was erected.
He however condoled with families of those who lost loved ones in the 21-storey building.
An online publication, Sahara Reporters had reported that Osibajo owns the land accomodating the collapsed building.
The publication also went further to say the land was sold to him by Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors; and that Osinbajo at some point, intervened with the regulatory authorities in Lagos State to unseal the said property.
But Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President stated that the VP does not own and has never owned the said land.
Akande said the VP had “never been involved, in any shape or form, in the development” of the said land “or any other land since he became Vice President.”
He stressed that the VP had not bought any 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.”
According to him, “All property and assets owned by the Vice President have been publicly declared.”
He stated also that the VP had never intervened regarding the unsealing of the said building, which subsequently collapsed.
Akande described as wicked and vicious the lie about his ownership of the land where so many people have lost their lives.
According to him, it “reveals a dangerous desperation, as well as the heartlessness of the perpetrators of such despicable lies.”
The media aide said the VP had referred the publication to his lawyer for prompt legal action.
In the press statement, however, Akande stated that the VP is saddened by the collapse of the high-rise building. “He condoles with the families and relatives of all those who have died, were injured, or were affected in the collapse. Prof. Osinbajo considers this painful loss of lives a horrible tragedy.” the statement reads.
