—Explains relationship with owner
Amidst rumours of what might have been the possible cause of the fatal collapse of a 21-storey building in Ikoyi, Lagos State last week, even as a fact finding panel set up by the Governor are still working assiduously to probe what went wrong, a statement has emanated from Family of one of the victims, a U.S. returnee, Wale Bob-Oseni, who died in the rubbles to debunk his alleged involvement as contractor of the building.
Recall that on the day of the tragic incident it was reported that while on his way to the airport, Bob-Oseni, stopped by to see the 21-storey building being developed by his friend and associate. The building collapsed with Bob-Oseni and Osibona inside, and they are now presumably dead after several days of rescue efforts.
But in a statement issued yesterday by the wife, Adeola Oseni and brother, Abass Oseni, titled ‘We thank God for your life,’ the family said as they prepare for the final rites, “we plead for restraint in publishing information that could further worsen our anguish or deepen our pain.”
They went on: “Wale left an aged mother deeply hurting from the loss of her son. Last Thursday, November 4, our hope that Wale would be one of the survivors of the ill-fated crash of the 21-storey block on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, was dashed.
“Since we identified his body, we have been struggling with the nightmarish reality of our irreparable loss, the chasm of his absence and the multi-dimensional proportions of this transition from being to nothingness.
“Our faith teaches that in everything, we should give glory to God. He knows the beginning. He knows the end. He knows why our benefactor had to make his exit in this circumstance.
“It is not true that Wale was a director or contractor in Fourscore Properties construction transaction. The owner, Femi Osibona, and Wale were both alumni of Mayflower School, Ikenne, were both bonded. It was this camaraderie that made Osibona invite him to see the dream project he was building.
“As a patriotic Nigerian, who desired to contribute to the development of his fatherland, Wale travelled often to Nigeria where he maintained home at the Eleganza Gardens, Ajah. He also utilised his visits to explore business opportunities and make valuable contacts with very important personalities, who could assist the execution of his projects.
“Wale, son of Pa Oseni, a long-time employee of the United States Embassy, grew up on Lagos Island. On his retirement, Pa Oseni, now of blessed memory, moved to the U.S. with the entire family. This is how he continued his school in the U.S. and internalised the enterprising values he was known for.”
The deceased was on his way back to America when he got a call from Osibona to check out the now shattered magnificent edifice in Ikoyi.
