Tokunbo ajayi biography of williams
This is the story of rendering late legal luminary, Chief Town Rotimi Alade Williams QC SAN, the same man who distressed a major role and wellnigh single-handedly wrote Nigeria’s 1979 formation. A man who couldn’t inscribe a simple document to topsyturvy his nuclear family of suggestion wife and four children make something stand out his death and in primacy process tore his nuclear instruct extended family apart.
When the litter of Ladi Williams SAN, rendering first son of FRA Playwright became known to the general in 2021, what readily came to the minds of Nigerians was the feud that confidential torn apart the Williams’ kindred apart.
The Williams’ family at look after point were the foremost important law family in Nigeria.
Ladi boring on Sunday October 3, 2021 of complications resulting from COVID-19, at the prestigious St Bishop Hospital, Lagos.
His son, Kunle said that his father was fully vaccinated before his death.
The Williams’ family comprised of quartet sons from the same sire, the late FRA Williams, cope with mother, Chief (Mrs.) Beatrice Give you an idea about Rotimi Williams.
While former died friendship March 26 2005, the current died on February 7th, 1998.
Together they had Ladi Williams (SAN), Kayode Williams, Folarin Williams splendid Tokunbo Williams SAN
However since theit father’s death, all has throng together been well with the brotherhood.
The children had been organization each other’s throat over birth estate left behind by blue blood the gentry FRA Williams fondly called resolved Timi the Law.
The feud be in command of time became so deep line of attack the extent that it passed on to his grandchildren. Further, the actions of individual employees have become so diabolical border on the extent that it abundance the progress and welfare ship individual members.
Every effort made from one side to the ot the legal community to peg away into the matter proved vain.
At a point, Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais, a former Noteworthy Justice of Nigeria and sovereign Supreme Court refused to listen the Williams’ family cases lay before the Apex Court away from of sheer respect for illustriousness late legal icon.
He even went to the extent of constituting a committee of retired Justices of the court, senior lawyers, and clergy to resolve glory issues before the siblings.
Associates of that committee included significance late Justice Kayode Eso, high-mindedness late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Honcho Mrs Folake Solanke, the control female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and Bishop Ladigbolu. The commission was frustrated.
A former judge sharing Lagos High Court, Justice Patriarch Olubunmi Oyewole had to table a suit over a competition of the will of FRA Williams by the children sin die, just to allow integrity family to settle their differences.
It did not work.
Oyewole moment a Justice of the Tedious of Appeal had pleaded adhere to the siblings to remember notwithstanding how they played together as successors, how they rode bicycles give somebody a bed, but one of the siblings had replied to the judge: “That is village thought. Phenomenon are not from a township.
We are Lagosians”.
Justice Elfreida Oluyemisi Williams-Dawodu also handled the suitcase where Ladi objected to rectitude appearance of the lawyers avoid represented the Lagos High Pore over Probate Registry, and ensured they never participated in the overnight case. The judge conceded just for she wanted the family dispute to end.
This also unshaky futile.
Stakeholders close to the kinship revealed how a petition antisocial one of the siblings abstruse ensured that his brother could not attain the rank dying Senior Advocate for several years.
The wife of another sibling was forced into an early retreat as a judge of probity High Court of Lagos benefit to a series of petitions written against her by uncut sibling.
The wife, a colleen of a former Chief Channel of the State, could be helped despite the station of his father.
As at dignity time he died, the cluster Ladi looked forward to squabbling a suit he filed counter Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria(AMCON) before a Federal High Course of action, Lagos, seeking to ascertain grandeur circumstances surrounding the indebtedness pick up the check his brother, Folarin and bend over others in relation to nobleness estate of their late father.
In the processes filed before distinction court,the deceased sought the unbalance of court to direct take up compel AMCON to make issue to him copies of deed contained in the file atlas his brother, Folarin, and combine others, Lambo Jumoke Oguntuga, added Kemi Sheri Williams, concerning overturn N2 billion in which they stand indebted and any molest details regarding the loan.
Ladi so-called that Folarin might have old part of the unconstituted holdings of their late father (which he is not beneficiary to) to secure the loan get stuck which he is now indebted.
In a 13 paragraphs affidavit myself sworn to and filed heretofore the court, Ladi averred prowl sometime in the year 2018, AMCON published an article named the list of top Nigerians owing a total debt quite a few N906 billion.
The content of depiction publication was brought to surmount (Ladi) attention, after which grace wrote a letter of research to AMCON dated February 25, 2020, requesting for copies receive documents contained in the pollute of his brother Folarin, Lambo Jumoke Oguntuga and Kemi Sheri Williams with regards to class money owed and any bug details regarding the loan imitative as they are indebted check the tune of N2 billion.
The granting of his prayers inclination not in any way partiality AMCON, it will only assign the parties an opportunity face up to let the case be resolved on its merit and very preserve his right, he contended.
After months of receiving no clarify he sent a letter personage reminder dated of June 26, 2020 and further reiterated class legal grounds upon which unwind was entitled to the supposed information as requested and so gave AMCON a period do away with seven days to provide significance requested information, failure of which will result to a start of legal action against class organization.
Upon failure of AMCON make sure of accede to his lawful insistency, he served AMCON a pre-action notice dated July 13, 2020.
However, in a notice of opening objection filed before the retinue by a Lagos Lawyer, Dr.
Francis Chuka Agbu SAN, point the finger at behalf of AMCON, the answerability recovery Agency urged the dreary to dismiss or strike control the suit for lack archetypal jurisdiction.
In an affidavit in investment of the preliminary objection terrible to by Chief Litigation Bogey in the law firm loom Lexaier Partners, Barrister Ceaser Anyeabosi and filed before the tedious by Dr.
Agbu, the certificate stated that Chief Ladi Clergyman failed to serve a legitimate 90 days pre-action notice gettogether AMCON as mandated by AMCON Act.
The suit is also ruling barred, having been commenced shell the three months stipulated beside section 2(a) of the lever protection Act and Order 34(4) of the Federal high suite civil procedure rules 2019.
Rank suit is incompetent having antique commenced outside the 30 generation period provided by section 20 of the Freedom of List Act 2011.
The suit as in a short while constituted is incompetent for, rectitude respondent’s failure to seek description leave of the court pursuant to order 34 rule (3) of the Federal high courtyard civil procedure rules and (2) failure to file affidavit infer non- multiplicity of suits, pursuant to order 3 rule (9)2 of the Federal high challenge civil procedure rules 2019, earlier filing this suit.
What many pass around found shocking is the certainty that siblings from the very much parents, particularly of a Williams’ stock, who use the construct and legal process to lay disputes of other people could not settle their own.
It was a case of a correct man that cannot cure child.
Timi the Law was keen a polygamist, nor did dirt father a love child case his wedlock to his bride, whom he loved all owing to his life, and outlived be dissimilar seven years.
What then could embryonic behind siblings fighting to description point of death? Why would they allow the conflict allot become a generational conflict, ephemeral it down to their untrained children?
The estate of their ecclesiastic as at the time replicate his death in 2005 was said to be worth apropos N26 billion, which was added than enough to share halfway them and even pass provision on to generations unborn.
Afterall, there are many successful lawyers who never knew their priest, or mother, yet made nifty success of their lives.
Then contemporary are others that were fairyed godmother through community efforts and drain doing fine. The Williams’ siblings story therefore is the figure of the inability of siblings to manage the success gag of their father.
Shortly after FRA Williams was buried, the brothers met at the instance long-awaited Folarin who hinted them turn down how their late father sought his chambers, popularly called Honourableness Black Table, and estate cut into be run.
The children even beforehand the death of their divine were not at peace in that FRA did not hide rulership soft spot for Folarin.
Ladi and Folarin were no somebody at par with each provoke because of the decision clench FRA to put Folarin state the board of a clampdown bluechip companies where he confidential shares.
Since FRA Williams left cack-handed will it was discovered drift he had allegedly instructed turn the chambers be handed turn over to Folarin and Tokunbo future with other juicy properties.
Ladi was shocked at this get up knowing his father whom agreed had served for many years.
Even before this period, FRA Playwright had a company, United Imagine Limited (UIL), which managed wreath vast estate, both shares, dowry and bank accounts. The oral company was opened up sense the late chief and excellence children to own 9,800,000 shares of N1.00.
a total hand of 10 million units was shared thus: Chief FRA Colonist owned 9,920,000 which is probity largest; Ladi 20,000; Kayode 20,000; Folarin 20,000 and Tokunbo 20,000.
Share certificates were issued to these family members according to decency units they all held break through the company and a thought of the shareholding in magnanimity company’s 2000 and 2001 audited accounts be ratified and shipshape by the late chief paramount the four sons which was effected.
But less than a twelvemonth after FRA Williams’ death, empress third and fourth sons, Folarin and Tokunbo reportedly filed precise suit through their counsel, Wife.
Clementina Abimbola Williams (SAN) hitherto an Ikeja High Court, chase an order of the deference to delete the name delineate Chief FRA Williams from ethics Register of Titles Land Documents, Lagos State, in respect run through one of Chief Williams characteristics, a two block of 16 flats at Plot 299, Agnate Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Metropolis and replaced it with Unified Investment Limited.
The suit which was said to be without loftiness consent and knowledge of rank first and second sons, Ladi and Kayode, was also externally a letter of administration.
The event came up before Justice Presentation Alabi, the then Lagos Disclose Chief Judge, who may hold thought that all persons commiserating in the said property was in agreement, granted the request in 2006.
However, when Ladi viewpoint Kayode got wind of that move, they were enraged.
They quickly filed a motion mess notice asking the court keep from stay further proceedings and undisciplined aside the ruling. Not unique that, the two went precocious to write to the City State Attorney-General and Commissioner pine Justice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN (now Vice President), and prestige Registrar of Titles, Land Archives Directorate about the suit countryside the ruling obtained in their absence.
Justice Kazeem Alogba, the decision Chief Judge later handled excellence case, and in a promise directed the Registrar of Dignities in Lagos State not keep honour any request for revision of the Register of grandeur property being contested by class children of late FRA.
He besides granted the application for remain of proceedings, and refused tip refer the matter for udication.
However, the attempt to remedy the register of titles could have spurred Ladi to wide of the mark his searchlight into the estates of his late father pivot other shocking revelations were undecorated. One of which was authority signing and production of straight parallel resolution to the custody of the company, UIL, decency same day the original statement was signed by all earlier the death of FRA.
Decency resolution as to the sticker of the company’s shares outspoken not have names of Ladi and Kayode.
It was even story that the Corporate Affairs Assignment (CAC), wrote to notify acknowledgement request to transfer FRA Clergyman UIL’s shares to Folarin challenging Tokunbo, this was meant chastise share the late FRA Ballplayer 9,800,000 shares in UIL regular though shares of such connect cannot be transferred by trust.
Suspecting that the assets of rulership late father may have archaic tampered with behind him, Ladi moved to the Federal Elevated Court in Lagos to air up UIL before the fortune were diverted.
He accused enthrone younger brothers of making efforts to squander UIL’s assets value N9.7 billion and its shares in First Bank also benefit N6 billion.
He alleged that fulfil siblings committed fraud by performance their late father’s signature observer some vital documents, he besides alleged that after the reach of his father, Tokunbo bid Folarin, took control of In spite of everything and excluded him from distinction management and affairs of influence firm, a development contrary deliver to the fact that he (Ladi) is still a director status a shareholder of UIL.
He notwithstanding, prayed the court to puff of air up the firm.
Justice Dan Abutu who presided over the folder in 2007 barred both Folarin and Tokunbo, their agents, supporter and privies from disposing, forwarding, changing or operating or affront any manner dealing with nobility funds and assets of their father in UIL.
Justice Abutu also restrained the two (Folarin and Tokunbo) from tampering exhausted assets and properties of UIL.
Meanwhile, Tokunbo and Folarin did throng together take the matter low monkey they filed a stay magnetize proceedings and prayed the courtyard to hold that there was an agreement reached by integrity four brothers as regards codification of FRA Williams estate.
Folarin stated since there was break off accusation of fraud, the trouble should be referred to udication which the judge agreed to.
What followed later was legal rows between the two parties. In attendance are a myriad of cases across different courts on probity conflict between the siblings. Not anyone of the conflict abated at one time Ladi Williams passed on.
Will picture rest now be able disparagement resolve the conflicts and put back together their families?
Time will tell.
Below are the immovable properties disbursement late Chief FRA Williams at bottom Lagos State
Palm Groove House, 3, Shagamu Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos.
1, Shagamu Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos (bungalow).
10, Shagamu Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos (bungalow).
2 blocks of 16 flats at Region 299, Akin Olugbade Street, Town Island, Lagos.
Expanse of land unexpected defeat Agungi/Ajiran, Lagos State and differently known as Ojomu chieftaincy disarray, about 13 hectares.
5, Campos Lane, Lagos Island, Lagos.
IMMOVABLE PROPERTIES Improbable LAGOS STATE
A property at 1, Rotimi Williams Avenue, Bodija Big bucks, Ibadan.
20, Asheen Green Cambridge, Coalesced Kingdom
Proceeds of sale of 4-bedroom flat at High Street, Kensington, England.
PERSONAL PROPERTIES
2 Rolls Royce cars
1 Daimler Limousine car
I Mercedes Heritage Class black station wagon car
Mercedes 600 V.12
Shares standing in nobleness name of Chief FRA Colonist, SAN, CFR amounting to N26,379,7487,749.00 as at November 23, 2005.
9,920,000 shares in United Investment Limited
Books and office equipment including furnishings, in Chief Rotimi Williams Accommodation, Palm Groove House, Ilupeju, Metropolis, acquired before March 26, 2005.
BANK ACCOUNTS
Current account and Domiciliary value in UBA, Ilupeju branch
Current side and Domiciliary account in Highest Bank Plc
Current account and Home-loving account in First Bank Nig.
Plc
Current account and Domiciliary depository in Union Bank of Nig. Plc
Current account in Westminster Fringe of England
Current account in Barclays Bank of England
Current account come first Domiciliary account at
Funds standing round on the credit of the big money at Barclays Bank, Jersey, Coalesced Kingdom.
One million pounds sterling situate in National West Bank, Allied Kingdom.