Islanders Magazine

Exposed!
True story of how Owolabi Shita exploit the poor in Lekki
+how he invited Okada riders back
And the millions they make monthly

Every African and less privileged person has a mentality that the rich are there to help them(poor) while the books of God(Holy Bible and Quran) said; help those who are in need. But the situation is different in this case, Owolabi Shita, Lead Executive of Lekki residence association and his executive exploits the poor. He is also the Chief pharmacy of Daytona Supermarket.
Our attention was called upon, to how he exploits the commuter drivers, cab men, vulcanizers, hawkers and others.
It was learnt that the number of registered commuter drivers in Lekki Phase scheme known as Lekki Shuttle and the buses pay 2,500 Naira and 10,000 Naira weekly to Lekki Residence Association respectively. But things turned around when the new Executives, led by Shita(Chairman) took over office 7 months ago. They ordered that 30 shuttles among the 92 shuttles to pay 5,000 Naira while others pay 10,000 Naira. This decision did not augur well with the drivers but present situationsin the country would not permit.
For the drivers to meet up with the new decision by Shitta and his Executive, their daily take home payand remittance to thebus owners, they had to hike up the fare from 80 Naira to 100 Naira. The increase in fare made a lot of passengers unhappy and most inquired for the sudden change in price, it was attributed to the heavy charges by the scheme. The executives asked the drivers to revert to their old fare prices, but refused to reduce the 100- 150% levy charge even after four months and claiming that the increase was a test run. One of the drivers, who spoke in anonymity, said they were surprised and disappointed with the new executive that turned them to banks to enrich themselves by increasing their weekly fee to 5,000 and 10,000 respectively without considering the fact that most of them are poor people who are struggling and hustling to meet up with their daily bread.
And most of the shuttles were slots given by the past executive to pensioners, aged, poor and less-privileged people in the estate to manage and feed themselves.
 He also added that God would judge them as they have decided to punish the poor unnecessary.
We learnt that the vulcanizers in the estate who operates and pay 1,000 yearly, has been ordered to pay 5000 Naira yearly. We took out time to visit some of the vulcanizers on Admiralty way, they reacted bitterly on the 400 percent increment. A man who claimed to have lived in the area for roughly 20 years said; “ he was shocked when some of the executives informed them over the increase in levy.” He inquired of the executives about the increment, they answered, it was an agreement by the newly elected officers and intend to take them to a permanent site. News emanating from the street hawkers are disheartening, imagine bread sellers, herbs merchants asked to pay 2,000 Naira and cab drivers 17,000 Naira as opposed the 8,000 Naira paid monthly. We also gathered that a week after they resumed office, they went to meet Tarzan boat, Lekki Pavilion and farm City for levies but were rebuffed since they make development payments to the association and are controlled by Nigeria Inner Water Waves Authority (NIWWA) not Lekki residence Association. The present government generates over Five Million Naira Monthly which is not being accounted for.
To cover his tracks, he either sacks or demote employees. Sheriff, Odia, Wazie, Stanley and some others fell prey. Shitta re-introduced the use of the popular “okada” back to the streets of Lekki.
During the past administration led byLate Shiji Suetan,Chief Kayode Aderinoku and Wole Akala, all monies realised from shuttle buses, cabs, vulcanizers and corporate support were used for the maintenance of roads,drainage,street lights and end of the year fun/party. This present executive has squandered the revenues generated and left the roads and streets of Lekki in a deplorable state.
To balance our investigation, we visited the Chairman’s supermarket, Daytona but met his absence. We sent a text, his response; “you are an idiot, come and see me.”
Well,we hope to serve you more details on elders and stakeholders reaction on all the allegations and development in Lekki.