–Lagos, November 13, 2024
A storm of controversy has erupted within Lagos Country Club, as accusations surface against members appointed by the Trustees to the Caretaker Committee. Members of the club’s Management Council have accused the Committee’s Chairman, Mr. Kayode Moradeyo, and other trustee representatives of alleged unlawful practices and efforts to prolong their control through questionable means. This discord, detailed in a strongly-worded letter to club members, has intensified concerns about the club’s governance and integrity.
In their statement, the Management Council members contend that Mr. Moradeyo and his associates have “actively worked against the spirit of the Consent Judgement,” allegedly using delay tactics and disregarding the Club’s constitutional guidelines. “From the onset, they introduced delays, straying from the Consent Judgement’s directives to achieve their personal goals,” the letter charges, portraying a leadership seen by many as self-serving.
Amid these grievances, Secretary General of the Caretaker Committee, Mr. Adetayo Adegboye, has called for immediate intervention, asserting that “decisions made unilaterally by Mr. Moradeyo’s group are legally baseless.” Adegboye noted, “Our complaints and legal advice have fallen on deaf ears, and they continue to act without regard to the club’s Constitution.”
The situation took a disturbing turn on Monday, November 11, when Mr. Moradeyo and Vice Chairman Mr. Sunny Ikhueleigbe reportedly harassed Mrs. Theresa Ikeji, the Acting General Manager of the Club, an incident that witnesses described as “embarrassing” and “unjust.” This altercation has led to heightened calls for staff safety and an end to any intimidation. “They are creating a hostile environment, targeting staff for not supporting their agenda,” said one club member who witnessed the incident.
Club members, including Legal Adviser Olawole Harris-Isa, expressed dismay at what they see as the misuse of authority by the Trustees’ representatives in the Caretaker Committee. “It’s shocking to see the Club under such leadership. Many feel that the institution is under siege,” Harris-Isa said, denouncing the actions as “illegal and deeply unwholesome.”
Further criticism was sparked when reports surfaced that a Trustee-supported donation of three hundred thousand Naira was allegedly funneled toward litigation efforts. “Their actions have disrespected the Consent Judgement, creating a crisis in what was once a peaceful, family-oriented club,” remarked a member of the Management Council.
As discontent grows, members are calling for order and a return to constitutional governance at the Club. In closing, the Management Council emphasized its commitment to the Club’s mission: “We are ready to ensure peace and progress within the Lagos Country Club,” the statement reads.
The five representatives of the Management Council in the Caretaker Committee have made several demands: that they remain members of the Caretaker Committee as constituted by the Consent Judgement based on the Court’s extension; that any meeting called by Mr. Kayode Moradeyo and his group without the Secretariat’s concurrence, led by Mr. Adetayo Adegboye, is illegal; that any decision made solely by the Trustee group without input from the Management Council group is ultra vires and null and void; that only a properly called meeting by the Committee Chairman through Secretary General Mr. Adetayo Adegboye should be recognized; that Mr. Moradeyo and his group be seriously cautioned to follow the path of peace and legality; and that all acts of brigandage by Mr. Ikhueleigbe and others be strongly condemned.
