Ikoyi Club Executive Objects Ambode’s Commissioner Nominee, Onanuga…Says He’s Been Indicted For Fraud

A top leader of the elite Ikoyi Club 1938, Chief Oladele Benson, has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly not to confirm the nomination Dr. Olufemi Onanuga, a Commissioner-designate recently nominated by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Dr. Onanuga was one of the 37 nominees sent by Ambode to the State Assembly recently for screening and confirmation.

In response to Ambode’s request, the House, set up an ad-hoc committee to carry out pre-screening of the nominees over fears that some of the nominees are not qualified for such high office in terms of educational and moral qualifications. In a letter dated 28th September, 2015, Chief Benson accused Dr. Onanuga of fraud while he (Onanuga) was Vice Chairman of the club.

The letter reads in part: “I, Chief Oladele Abiodun Benson, a member of Ikoyi club 1938, hereby formally lodge my objection to the nomination and or approval by the legislative of Dr Olufemi Onanuga as a commissioner/ special adviser to serve in the Executive in Lagos.

“My 9 year old daughter, Nicole Benson in her genuine belief that there is a need for change in the governance of Nigeria, contributed her savings to actualize that change which, by the grace Of God, has been achieved. In the spirit of that ‘change’. I believe it is my duty to raise an objection to anything that I foresee will not be in the interest of my state, Lagos, and it is in that belief that I now raise an objection to the approval of Dr Olufemi Onanuga as a Member of the cabinet

“Dr. Onanuga was a member of Ikoyi Club 1938 and himself and I served as members of the General Committee of the club between 2007-2008. He was the then vice-chairman of the club and I was the chairman of the billiards & snooker section of the club.

“As a result of diverse investigation into financial/administrative activities in Ikoyi Club 1938, Dr Onanuga had to face disciplinary panel in the club, which led to his expulsion from the club,” the petitioner said attaching a copy of the trustees’ report on the investigation.

“In light of the findings, recommendations and decisions against Dr. Onanuga in the report touching on financial/ administrative activities in the club which are grave indictments against him leading to his expulsion from the club, I hold the view that Dr. Olufemi Onanuga is not a fit and proper person to be entrusted with a position of authority in the administration of this State of ours and I object to his approval as a commissioner/special adviser by the House.‎”