DANGOTE’S $100M: Court strikes out De Renaissance Patriots’ mandamus suit against Lagos Govt

By OUR REPORTER, Lagos

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, presided over by Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji, has dismissed a suit seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Lagos State Government to release details of the expenditure of $100 million received from Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

The amount, it will be recalled, was paid by Dangote for the natives’ seven acres land he used to build what is now known to be the biggest oil refinery in Africa, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of the state some nine years ago.

In delivering his judgment in Friday, Justice Faaji ruled that the Lagos State Government could not be compelled to disclose the requested information, as the law mandating such disclosure had not been domesticated in the state.

The decision has sparked concerns regarding transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in cases involving significant public funds.

Among indigenous Lagos groups, who were in the court on Friday hoping for justice in holding people managing the resources accountable, were those said to be agitating for better Lagos under the aegis of the Assembly of Lagos Youths.

Lasisi Robert, who reacted to the judgment on behalf of the Assembly, spoke in several implications of the natives being unable to get leaders to account for money collected over their land even when the means getting that done was through constitutional court.

The implications include that of public concerns on transparency and governance, just as the ruling has drawn criticism from other stakeholders, who argue that public policy and public interest should have been key considerations in the court’s decision.

Observers contend that withholding such financial details sought in the suit jointly filed by De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural organisation of eminent citizens indigenous to Lagos State, and the Ibeju-Lekki Progressive Group, undermines public confidence in governance and accountability.

Neither De Renaissance Patriots not the Ibeju-Lekki Progressive leaders were willing to speak to press on the matter as at the time of filing this report on Friday night.

But the Lasisi Robert, speaking in what he called reaction of the Assembly of Lagos Youths, said: “Residents of Ibeju-Lekki, where the funds were reportedly intended for development, continue to face significant infrastructural deficits. Many communities in the area lack stable electricity, quality educational institutions, and standard healthcare facilities. Critics argue that the absence of transparency in the management of such substantial funds exacerbates the socio-economic challenges faced by the local population.”

On implications for public trust in government, legal and governance analysts have expressed concerns that this ruling may set a precedent for non-disclosure of critical financial transactions involving public institutions.

The refusal to grant the request for information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, on the grounds of non-domestication, they said, raises questions about the commitment of the Lagos State Government to transparency and accountability.

Citizens and civil society organizations have emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, urging the government to proactively disclose financial transactions that affect public welfare. The judgment, they argue, could erode public trust in governance and discourage civic engagement in demanding accountability.

Our investigations revealed that the dismissal of the suit has further fuelled public debates on the necessity of legal reforms to enhance transparency at the state level.

Observers stress the need for governance practices that prioritize the interests of citizens and ensure that public resources are effectively utilized for developmental purposes.

As discussions on this matter continue, stakeholders advocate for stronger legal frameworks to prevent opaque financial dealings and reinforce accountability in government transactions.