Efunroye Tinubu Estate: Trustees Raise Alarm Over Alleged Impostor
Tajudeen Olalekan Ademoye Tinubu, who was arraigned in 2016 over allegations of falsely presenting himself as a trustee of the estate of the late Iyalode of Lagos, Madam Efunroye Tinubu, has again come under scrutiny as the recognised trustees of the historic estate continue to deny that he is one of them or acts on their behalf.
Records from the earlier criminal case show that Tajudeen was accused of falsely holding himself out as a trustee of the estate of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, allegedly with intent to defraud. He denied the charges when he was arraigned alongside other defendants before the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos in March 2016.
The matter has continued to attract attention because the recognised trustees of the estate have consistently maintained that Tajudeen is neither one of them nor their representative. The trustees are Alhaji Shittu Adio Rassim Lumosa, Mr Shafiu Kassim Lumosa and Mr Gabriel Fastele, who were listed in subsequent estate-related court proceedings as trustees of the estate of Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu, deceased.
Their position remains important amid the long-running controversy surrounding the administration, trusteeship and authority over the historic estate of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, whose name and properties have over the years been the subject of legal disputes and competing claims.
The criminal allegations against Tajudeen were part of a police case that came before Magistrate B. A. Sonuga in 2016. He was arraigned alongside Mrs Omotayo Oyindamola and Reverend Emmanuel Olatoye Shodipe, who has since died.
The police accused the defendants of conspiracy, forgery, malicious prosecution and giving information that allegedly resulted in the prosecution of two persons said to be innocent. All the defendants denied the allegations.
Tajudeen was specifically accused of falsely presenting himself as a trustee of the estate of Madam Iyalode Tinubu. The allegations were said to be connected to a wider dispute involving documents and claims of authority over the estate.
At the centre of the controversy was a disputed Power of Attorney allegedly forged in August 2014 in Mushin, Lagos. The police alleged that the document was created with the intention that it could be used or relied upon as genuine to the prejudice of another person.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendants conspired to cause the prosecution of Mr Akindele Afolabi and Alhaji Adio Kazeem despite allegedly knowing that the two men were innocent of the accusations made against them.
The allegations against Tajudeen and the others were said to have contravened provisions of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011. Tajudeen and Oyindamola were granted bail in the sum of N200,000 each with one surety in like sum, while the late Reverend Shodipe was released on self-recognition because of his age.
Although the case was adjourned at the time, the controversy surrounding individuals claiming authority over the estate has continued to generate concern.
Years later, another development occurred when the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division, delivered judgment in Suit No. ID/2336PFM/19 on June 17, 2020. The applicants in the matter were Alhaji Shittu Adio Rassim Lumosa, Mr Shafiu Kassim Lumosa and Mr Gabriel Fastele, who were described as trustees of the estate of Iyalode Efunroye Tinubu.
The respondents were the Probate Registrar, High Court of Justice, Ikeja, and Mr Temilola Daud Adesanya, who was joined as a party in the proceedings. Justice I. O. Kasali granted the application and made orders relating to his joinder and the administration of the estate.
However, the 2020 estate proceedings involving Adesanya are separate from the criminal allegations brought against Tajudeen in 2016 and should not be confused with them.
What remains central to the controversy is the position of the recognised trustees, who have continued to maintain that Tajudeen Olalekan Ademoye Tinubu is not one of them and does not act as their representative in any matter concerning the estate of Madam Efunroye Tinubu.
The warning, therefore, goes beyond one individual. The long history of disputes surrounding the estate should serve as notice to any person who may seek to falsely present themselves as trustees, representatives, attorneys or authorised agents of the estate.
Members of the public are also urged to exercise caution and properly verify the legal authority of anyone claiming the power to act, sell, negotiate, manage property or represent the estate of the late Iyalode of Lagos, Madam Efunroye Tinubu.
The existence of a claim, document or personal representation should not automatically be accepted as proof of lawful authority. Interested persons are expected to verify such claims through the recognised trustees and legally valid documents before entering into any transaction connected with the historic estate.
As the earlier criminal case and subsequent court proceedings show, the question of who has lawful authority to act on behalf of the estate carries serious legal consequences and should serve as a warning to alleged impostors and members of the public alike.