Hyacinth Chinweuba
Bera Estate management located in Lekki Lagos, has explained that the decision to erect a security gate was to protect lives and properties.
It said that the neighbouring Bakare Estate executive was not properly informed and has been misinforming and misleading the uninformed residents and battering images of members of the the Executive management and board of trustees of Bera Estate.
In a statement made available to the press on Monday, the executives of the Bera Estate stated the need to set the records straight regarding the planned gate to be erected at the back entrance to their estate.
It was reported in a publication by TMZNaija news blog an allegation by Bakare Estate executives that Bera Estate is erecting fences and blocking the roads in the Estate. The verifiable fact is that no body is building fence to block road rather we are putting gate where security personnels will mount for the safety of lives and properties of the residents of our estate.
The statement stated that in the month of March 2020, Bera Estate was invaded by thieves and left over 20 cars vandalized and all investigations revealed that they had gained entrance into the estate because the area was left unguarded hence the decision by the residents and executives in one of the meetings after the attack to re-install the gate that was once there.
The decision obviously did not go down well with Bakare residents for selfish reasons, said the statement.
The statement recalled that the gate was once put there by Bakare Estate when Bera Estate was still under developed. Bakare Estate had erected it to protect illegal entry into their territory cutting off Bera Estate but the gate was jettisoned when the security men that man the gate were having issues.
So BERA Estate residents took matters into their hands, invested huge sums of money and transformed their estate into one of the fastest growing estates in Chevron Drive. As such, Bakare Estate then threw the gate wide open and removed their security from there.
“It is therefore appauling to have the erroneous impression that Bera Estate is an extension of Bakare estate. BERA Estate (separate from Bakare Estate) has been registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission in August 23, 2017 and is duly recognized by the Federal Government as an Estate Residents’ Association. This association was created by the landowners and residents living there, who came together to invest their money, energy and time in developing their estate. It is also instructive to note that Bakare Estate did not contribute a kobo to the development of Bera Estate.
“We also believe that Chevy View Estate, which is one of the oldest estates on Chevron Drive is also registered as an Estate residents association the statement reads”
The host community, the Ojomu Chieftaincy family had invited the two parties to settle the dispute, “and we are immensely proud that we have a warm and cordial relationship with his Royal Majesty His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Tijani Adetunji Akinloye and can boldly state that he has not taken any sides in the matter.” the statement noted.
“As a wise, respected ruler who has overseen the peaceful growth and development of his land for 25 years, the Oba has consistently advised all parties to settle the matter amicably within the ambit of the law.
This is why we sought approval from the state government before securing their estate.
This is also why we have reached out to Bakare Estate residents assuring them of free passage after we complete the beautification project.
This is why as law abiding citizens, we have asked the law enforcement agencies to help us keep the peace instead of resorting to violence.”
“We will continue to abide by the advice of the Oba, no matter the provocation. We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of our lives and property which we bought and developed with our hard-earned money; and we are determined to take every legal and reasonable step to achieve this.”
The statement also debunked the alleged role of the current Bera Estate Chairman as the initiator and driver of the move to separate Bera from Bakare Estate saying that the decision to secure our borders, restore the gate and beautify the area is a collective decision, and it is unfair to single out one person.
Indeed, these are the biggest set of lies, and it is very unfortunate that some unknown persons will go to such lengths to attempt to destroy an innocent man’s image/reputation, simply because he is the current Estate chairman and a well-respected civil servant.
For instance, the article claims that Prince Docemo started championing moves to divide both estates in 2019. However, Bera Estate had been in existence as a separate estate since 2013 and it was officially recognized by the Federal Government in 2017.
Furthermore, all decisions taken regarding this issue (and any issue affecting the estate) are reached at the Estate general meeting and agreed upon by majority voting of ALL BERA Estate residents. There is also an Estate Board of Trustees which provide guidance to the executive in the implementation of its objectives.
It is also instructive to note that under past chairmen of the estate, BERA Estate had made various moves to secure its borders since 2016 but these efforts were resisted by some elements in Bakare Estate. So this is actually an old issue, not a new one.
However, we have taken the pains to dissect the alleged statement to show that it is built on a foundation of hatred, half-truths and outright lies.
It becomes ironical when the oppressor now plays victim after law and order have been enacted for peace-sake. We, as an estate, we say to the sponsors of the malicious publication on the blog to embrace peace, for it is what pleases God.
“As a peace-loving, progressive estate, we have taken and will continue to take the right steps to ensure our safety and development, without impeding on the safety and development of our neighbours, our community and the State”
Therefore, the question that should be asked is this: When we have not offended anyone, why are some people determined to stop Bera Estate from existing?
“Like we have assured informally the executives of Bakare estate in time past, once completed, Bakare Estate residents with valid identification will be allowed to pass through the gate unhindered. So those living in Bakare Estate who wish to pass BERA Estate to access Chevron Drive can still do so. Again, we are not building a fence (or a wall) but are simply restoring the gate on that road, which was there before”