Court Acquits Gbolahan Lawanson of All Charges, Commends His Integrity And Service

Prominent businessman and community figure, Gbolahan Lawanson, has been discharged and acquitted of all charges filed against him, bringing to an end a case he described as “a calculated attempt to destroy my name and inheritance.”

Delivering judgment in Lagos, the court ruled that the 10-count charge against Lawanson — jointly filed by the Commissioner of Police Lagos State; Mr. Ladi Lawanson, former Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State; St Michael’s Catholic Church, Oshogun Ketu; Glo Ltd, and Vixen Nig. Ltd — was unsupported by credible evidence and that the entire process was tainted by malice and manipulation.

The verdict effectively clears Mr. Lawanson of wrongdoing after nearly three years of what he called “unjust persecution.”

According to Gbolahan, the case stemmed from a long-running family dispute over the management of properties left behind by their late father, Chief A.O.L. Lawanson, a respected Lagos industrialist.

Speaking after his acquittal, Gbolahan alleged that his elder brother, Mr. Ladi Lawanson, had for years “betrayed the family trust” and “systematically disposed of several family assets at giveaway prices.”

He further claimed that, in a bid to silence him, his brother connived with the then Commissioner of Police, AIG Adeyinka Adeleke, to concoct false charges and have him arrested under the guise of official investigation.

“It was a conspiracy from the start,” Gbolahan told reporters. “They wanted me out of the way because I refused to keep quiet about the properties our father worked for. They used their influence —even roping in corporate bodies like Glo Ltd and Vixen Nig. Ltd, and conspired with the church — to give credibility to lies. But the truth has prevailed, and justice has shamed falsehood.”

The court’s decision has been widely viewed as a major vindication for Gbolahan, who maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Legal observers say the judgment not only clears his name but also exposes the danger of weaponizing law enforcement and corporate influence for personal or family vendettas.

Over the years, Gbolahan has been active in grassroots development, youth empowerment, and community outreach programmes.

His supporters describe him as “a bridge-builder” and “a true son of the soil” who has always placed the interests of others above personal gain.

Now vindicated, Gbolahan says he is focused on restoring unity within the family and continuing his service to humanity.

“I bear no grudge,” he said. “But those who plotted evil should now reflect on how far lies can go before the truth catches up. The court has spoken — and I have been vindicated.”