RTD Thompson Limited, an Abuja-based construction firm, has taken the Oyo State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, to task over misgivings it expressed on the durability and quality of work on a ceremonial hall it is building for the state government at the state high court complex in Ibadan, the state capital.
The body of lawyers had expressed doubts about the quality of job done on the structure in a memo to Governor Seyi Makinde, complaining about hindrances to appointment of judges to redress the shortfall in the state’s judiciary.
In the letter, dated January 30, 2024, which has since gone viral, the NBA, under a subtitle: ‘State of the Building Projects at the High Court, Ring Road,’ alleged that the “construction of the ceremonial hall is not up to standard, as the building is not well supported by viable pillars. The pillars upon which the building stands are very tiny, weak and not that strong in our observation.”
The NBA, in the letter, signed by its Chairman, and Secretary, Folashade Aladeniyi and Olakunle Akintola, respectively, therefore, implored Governor Makinde to order relevant regulatory authorities to conduct structural inspection of the building to forestall possible mishap. This is more so as the building is for public use.
But in a rebuttal signed by its lawyer, Aare Ṣeun Oluwagbenga Àjàyí, SAN, the construction firm described NBA’s remarks as baseless, misleading, reckless, unfair and disparaging to its integrity as a credible player in the construction industry, renowned for its expertise and for keeping to standards and international best practices.
The company said it was shocked by the impression the NBA’s letter conveyed, blaming it on ignorance that would have made the reference unnecessary had the association taken step to consult it and find out the facts.
The lawyer to the construction firm averred that contrary to the picture created in the complaint, “the contract for the construction of the Ceremonial Hall under reference was awarded to our client after a thorough and transparent bidding process by the Oyo State government, taking into consideration the huge profile of our client as a major player in the construction industry in Nigeria.”
He added, “Prior to the commencement of the project, the architectural design was undertaken by Messrs Builtform Nigeria Limited, a firm of architect led by Architect Olubunmi A. Ayeni B.SC, M.SC, MNIA, while Messrs Daraplus Limited, led by its Principal Partner, Engr. J.O. Banire, a COREN-registered structural engineer acted as the structural engineering consultant in the production of the architectural and structural design.
“Our client on its part deployed some of its best hands, led by a COREN-certified engineer in person of Engr. Rufus A. Iyiola, FNSE, to oversee the construction of the building.
“In carrying out the construction of the building, which consists of three floors and contains among others, the main hall, offices, passenger lift, gallery, stair cases, and toilets, our client ensured that the foundation (which is the main load bearing structure) comprised of not less than 91 heavily built columns, with reinforced concrete pad ranging from 1300mm x 1300mm to 4200mm x 4200mm. The pad reinforcement ranges from 16mm to 25mm high tensile bars. The columns, which transmit the load to the foundation level are of various sizes, depending on the location within the structure, but their sizes range from 230mm x 230mm to 500mm x 400mm. In addition, the concrete being used is grade 25 with maximum size of chipping of 20mm, while the slab thickness is 175mm with 12mm reinforcement both top and bottom.”
He added, “We make bold to state that, apart from the fact that the project is being continually supervised by professionals from the Oyo State Ministry of Works and Transport, towards ensuring that the project is carried out according to specification and acceptable standard, relevant regulatory bodies at every stage of the construction exercise have had course to certify same as measuring up to standard.”
In view of the glaring facts, Chief Ajayi said, “One cannot but be taken aback by your association’s conclusion, which, no doubt, was reached without consulting our client, the handlers of the project or better still, an independent professional in the construction industry.
“It is our position that, your observation, no matter how well intended, is nevertheless one without basis and most unfair to our client, whose professional integrity has been violently dealt a grievous blow.
“As a professional body that thrives on the promotion of the rule of law, our client finds it ludicrous that you failed totally to challenge them on your observations before coming up with such a damaging conclusion relating to their expertise.”
The Senior Advocate then demanded of the NBA, as a responsible organization, a redress of the injury done to his client.
He expressed the company’s readiness to answer any question and respond credibly to any observation relating to its handling of the project.
According to Chief Ajayi, the ceremonial hall is just a fraction of the contracts being handled by RTD for the state government in the judicial sector.
He listed others related to it, some of which had already been satisfactorily delivered
to include: remedial roofing and ceiling works; remodeling of court rooms and judges’ chambers; remodeling of library; and external works.
Enthusing that as a major stakeholder in the justice sector, the NBA undoubtedly was entitled “to make observations, issue statements and come up with positions in matters relating to the justice sector of the government, Àjàyí however stressed that such observations or position in respect of any matter should be arrived at in fairness to all concernned.
