Computer Village Crisis: Critical Stakeholders Meet On Way Forward

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Following moves to resolve the crisis that had bedeviled Africa’s largest ICT hub, Computer Village, Ikeja, the Coalition of Associations has met with the Iyaloja General, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

The meeting took place on Monday 8th June, 2020, at the residence of the Iyaloja General at Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos.

The peace and reconciliation meeting was a follow up to the one held earlier on Friday 5th June at the same venue.

The following were present at the meeting: the Baales of Allen Avenue and others, Honourable Jude Idumogu (Member, Lagos State House of Assembly), Hon Olasoji, Babaloja of Tejuosho, Ogunbiyi Community Development Association, Coalition of Associations (CACOVIN), Iyaloja and Babaloja of Computer Village, Ogbako Ndigbo of Computer Village led by Prince Tony Nwakeze, Ogbako Ndigbo Elders Forum, Yoruba Business Network led by Tunde Aremu, Adebowale (Debocom), Balogun of Computer Village and other  important personalities.

The Iyaloja General, who presided over the proceedings welcomed everyone and requested for constructive presentations and engagements devoid of personal attacks, name calling and derogatory languages.

Mr. Timi David Famoroti, Chairman of the Coalition and Vice Chairman CDA, gave a recap of the previous meeting to guide the proceedings.
In his presentation, Prince Tony Nwakeze, the Chairman of Ogbako Ndigbo, spoke as an Investor, Elder and leader of Ndigbo in Computer Village. He stressed that Igbos are investors  who have contributed immensely to the development and growth of Computer Village. He posited that Igbos are not parasites but partners in progress; that Igbos want peace and conducive environment to carry out their businesses but should be given opportunity to participate in decisions and affairs of the community where they are making positive contributions. Prince Nwakeze further said that Igbos do not deserve the kind of treatment they had experienced in the last one year in the hands of the Market Board led by an Iyaloja in Computer Village. He hinted that Iyaloja and Babaloja have not been good ambassadors of the Iyaloja General, who is an epitome of humility, wisdom and strong character. He stated that any ambassador who does not represent his/her principal very well should be withdrawn or recalled.

Thereafter, Chief V.A. Odinaka and Mike Orji supported the views raised by Prince Nwakeze. Mike Orji narrated the ugly experience of Idowu Lane members as well as the physical assault on him.

Mr. Yemi Olayeni, the revenue manager of the market board, Hon.Olasoji, Mr. Akinsanya (Murphy) and Godwin Enamor, all spoke in defence of the market board and the N1,000 levy, which they claimed was being used to maintain the security and Computer Village environment. They also condemned and rejected the election of the CDA Executives, which they said was improperly handled and that the names of members of the executive were singlehandedly written by the Ikeja Local Government Chairman.

However, the Ogunbiyi CDA Chairman, Alhaji Musa and Timi David Famoroti, countered their views. They stated that the election was properly conducted by Ikeja Local Government and the Executives were duly inaugurated. They maintained that the CDA controls the community and not the Iyaloja and Babaloja which are Traditional titles. They said that the crisis in community was majorly caused by Niyi Olasoji, who refused to hand over to the newly elected Chairman of the Ogunbiyi Community after his tenure but rather transformed himself to Babaloja in order to enable him control the community.

Mr. Timi David Famoroti, Chinedu Mbakwe (Mabtech), Mr. Augustine Ikwuezunma (Axis Vision), spoke on behalf of the Coalition and vehemently defended the business operators and shop owners. They stressed that the autocratic leadership style of the Iyaloja had been the major cause of the crisis in Computer Village. They alleged that she rules like an Emperor; issuing orders that must be obeyed by everyone. They said that the attitude resulted to imposition, harassment, intimidation and extortions. They pointed out that they have never been consulted on any decision on issues concerning their members; that the board as led by Iyaloja is not representing neither had what it takes to lead.

Mr. Adebowale (Debocom) and Tunde Aremu stressed that the major cause of the crisis was the issue of money. They said that those involved in the power tussle are more interested in the money that gets to their pockets most especially with the non-inclusion of all stakeholders in decision making in Computer Village. They maintained that without equity and justice, there will be no peace. And that without including and embracing all stakeholders, nothing will work.

Mrs. Abisola Azeez, (Iyaloja), spoke in defence of her emergence and installation as Iyaloja and the opposition she has received to her leadership despite all the efforts made to reach out to stakeholders. She said that she has suffered media attacks from several quarters. She however, said she was sorry and tendered unreserved apologies to those who feel aggrieved and offended by her leadership style.

Honourable Jude Idumogu, in his remarks, urged everyone to embrace peace and unity. He said that the Lagos State Governor and his Government will not want any crisis to snowball into something in Computer Village especially being in the capital. The Lagos Lawmaker stated that Igbos are investors and development agents and as such they should be included in running the affairs of the community instead of being maligned and castigated.

Babaloja of Tejuosho and PRO to Iyaloja General, Pastor Okey Anoruo, pointed out the importance of humility in service to humanity. He said that those who find themselves in position of authority should not abuse or use it as an instrument of intimidation and coercion. He said that leaders should embrace their followers and not challenge those that gave them the privilege to lead.

The Baale of Allen Avenue said that the meeting has given him and his group the opportunity to hear from all the sides to enable them know the truth. He said that they have confirmed that Igbos are not the problem in Computer Village as being widely spread. He said that Igbos make positive contributions to the development of the community and therefore should participate in running the affairs of the community. He advised that everyone should embrace and maintain peace while suggesting that everyone should respect the tradition and culture as represented by Iyaloja General. He also advised all to always confirm and authenticate any information before going to the Press to avoid tarnishing the name and image of the Iyaloja General and her family.

The Iyaloja General, Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, expressed her thanks and gratitude to everyone, who had sacrificed time and energy to be at the meeting and contributed positively to all the presentations and discussions.She said that conflicts are part of human existence but the ability to manage and resolve them matters. She said that if the battle was not fought, it would not have been possible to see the root of the issues. She however, emphasized the need for leaders to seek and have wisdom from God Almighty; that wisdom is the principal thing in managing human affairs.The Iyaloja General further said that from all the presentations, the crisis in Computer Village was narrowed to Abisola Azeez and Olasoji Niyi. She particularly expressed her grudges and indicted them as they failed to consult her on issues of collection of money In the market especially the N1,000 levy and N5m which were attributed to her for which she had received phone calls from friends within Nigeria and abroad.
She indicted them as they did not abide and obey her advice on several issues while lashing that the attitude of Abisola Azeez in her presentation was unfortunate and despicable; that she did not acknowledge and apologize to her for the damage her activities had caused her and her family name.
Iyaloja General also mentioned that they did not tell her about the erected gate at idowu Lane and the reasons it was dismantled and taken away. She posited that their attitude and approach to leadership has contributed to the crisis in Computer Village and that Igbos are not the cause of problem but rather greed and selfishness of few people because of money. She warned that all further harassment of business people in Computer Village should henceforth be stopped as she had never sent anybody to collect money for her. She pointed out that a leader without followership is only chasing shadows. 
She however, said that the CDA was created to control the Community and not the market. She further said that the Coalition of Associations should be recognised, engaged and must participate in the management of Computer Village and that all stakeholders will be considered 
Going forward, she requested that the Coalition should send her the list of all the associations; that every group should send two (2) names to represent them in future and final meetings and discussions on the plans and structure that will work in Computer Village. She charged that representatives should be readily available to do the work and should be available anytime they are called upon.She said that they will not conclude on the issues that Monday and then offered prayers of blessing, prosperity, enlargement of coasts, peace and unity.
On the fate of the Iyaloja and Babaloja, she said that she will reserve her judgement till further notice but insisted that they deserved to be reprimanded for not representing her very well.
The meeting ended on very peaceful and exciting note before all the stakeholders left the venue.