The leadership of the Balogun Business Association (BBA) in Lagos has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to disregard a group of traders who recently visited his office, claiming to represent the association. According to the legitimate leaders of the association, the individuals who met with the governor were impostors with no legal authority to act on behalf of the BBA.
In a formal petition signed by key figures, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Anthony Obih; Secretary, Chief Jones Okpala; Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Anselm Dunu; and Secretary, Chief Leonard Ogbonnia, the association stated that the delegation was led by Chief Paul Oscar Ikechukwu Odogwu, who has falsely been presenting himself as the President of BBA.
The petition emphasized that the group acted in blatant disregard of existing judicial proceedings and court rulings related to the leadership of the association. Specifically, they cited ongoing cases at the Federal High Court, including:
- Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors. Vs Corporate Affairs Commission & 4 Ors.)
- Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors. Vs Inspector General of Police & 9 Ors.)
- Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2665/2023 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors. Vs Mrs Chinyere Nwabunike & 8 Ors.)
- Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/459/2024 (Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & 6 Ors. Vs Sterling Bank Ltd & Ors.)
The association clarified that, as per the judicial proceedings, the Caretaker Committee led by Chief Anselm Dunu is the only legitimate executive body responsible for managing the affairs of the BBA, while the Board of Trustees is headed by Chief Anthony Obih.
The petition accused Chief Odogwu and his group of deliberately suppressing critical legal facts from the Lagos State government to gain an audience with the governor through deception.
The legitimate BBA leaders called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to disregard any commitments or agreements made during the courtesy visit and instead recognize the lawful leadership as affirmed by the courts.
