President of De Renaissance Patriots, a socio-cultural organisation for Lagos indigenes, Prince Adelani Adeniji-Adele, has died about four days after co-signing a letter of July 29 to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, seeking detailed information about the sale of land in the Lekki Free Trade Zone to the Dangote Refinery.
Aged 66, Adeniji-Adele died in the early hours of Friday, August 2, 2024.
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State, he reportedly died on Friday after a brief illness at his FESTAC Town home in Lagos.
The Secretary General of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, Mr. Yomi Tokosi, announced Adeniji-Adele’s transition in a signed statement.
Days earlier, in a letter signed by Adeniji-Adele and the foundation’s Secretary General, Tokosi, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation raised queries about the transparency of the transaction.
Their July 29 letter came in the wake of revelations by Billionaire Businessman Aliko Dangote that he paid $100 million for approximately 7,000 acres to establish his $20 billion refinery, contradicting earlier claims that the land was offered for virtually free of charge.
Popularly called “Oko,” the Prince was a retired Immigration officer and immediate younger brother to the late Ademola Adeniji-Adele, who was a popular politician and former Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government.
His Dad, Oba Sir Musendiku Buraimoh Adeniji Adele II, was the Oba of Lagos from 1st October 1949 until his death 12th July 1964 at the age of 70.
De Renaissance Patriots questioned why the sale was not disclosed to the public and how the proceeds from the land sale were utilised, particularly given the lack of benefits for the host communities in Ibeju-Lekki.
“We are bewildered on why the notice of the purchase was not brought to the attention of the government and how the money was expended without the members of the public being carried along or benefiting from it, particularly the host communities in Ibeju-Lekki,” the letter stated.
Citing Section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, the group demanded detailed information on the transaction and how the funds were managed.
“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 seven days after the application is received, make the information available to the Applicant,” the letter emphasised.
The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation threatened to escalate the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or seek an order of Mandamus from the court if the government fails to respond within the stipulated seven days.
Tokosi expressed sadness over Adeniji-Adele’s death, noting that his dedication, resourcefulness, and leadership would be sorely missed.
He added that Prince Adeniji-Adele would be remembered for his fight for Lagos State natives.
In breaking news of the death, Tokosi wrote: “With heavy hearts, I announce the tragic loss of our President, Prince Adelani Gbogboade Adeniji-Adele.
“We lost him early this morning to the cold hands of death.
“His dedication, resourcefulness, and leadership will be sorely missed. Details will be made available later by the royal family.
“Prince Adeniji-Adele will be remembered for his fight for the rights of Lagos State natives, who have been deprived of their rights as landowners and indigenes of Lagos State since the return of democracy in 1999.”
Meanwhile, Maj-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Alternate BOT Chairman and former Minister of Communications, mourned the death of De Renaissance Patriots’ President, stating that Adeniji-Adele’s departure is a great loss for Lagos State.
“Lagos State has lost a prominent son, Prince Adelani Adeniji-Adele, a Prince of the Royal House of Lagos.
“Prince Adelani was a cerebral historian, a thoroughbred Lagosian, and a strong advocate in the struggle to reclaim Lagos State for the ÌBILE indigenes.
“His death will leave a significant void in the quest for indigenous participation in the governance of the state. He was at the forefront, leading the way as the president of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation.
“In his role as our president, he was responsible, resolute, and committed, serving with energy, integrity, and dedication to our cultural organisation’s goals,” Olanrewaju stated.
“We pray for the repose of his soul. Rest in peace, our prince and leader.”
