•AY’s name is mentioned because he is popular, says manager
OMISSON Emporium, Lekki, was home to a lounge known as Virus, owned by popular comedian Ayo Makun (AY) and his partners. The space occupied by the lounge, formerly known as MVP Restaurant and Lounge, is now the subject of a feud between the lounge’s owners – AY, Joseph Tubdei and Lucky Ahkiwu – and Higher Ground Nigeria, owner of the mall.
The mall is located on 5, Durosinmi Etti Drive, Lekki Phase 1. AY uses this address as his office. His website still bears the address, even though he and his partners have officially vacated it.
Higher Ground Nigeria Ltd is accusing AY and his partners of owing N47 million and destroying his property, after vacating the premises.
On December 29, 2016, a letter signed by Soji Adelore, for Higher Ground Nigeria Ltd, was sent to AY and his partners on outstanding electricity bill and service charge. The letter was received by Anyanwu Chidozie for MPV Lounge.
The letter showed that the bill as at the time of disconnection was N1.2 million, and it was agreed that the club would pay 70% of the accumulated bill of N840, 000.
Also the monthly service charge of N500, 000 for November and December 2016, another six months in 2017 is yet to be paid, summing up to N4 million.
In a letter by Aremo Dotun Hassan for Jury Associate Chambers, solicitor to Higher Group Nigeria, Ltd, on April 24, 2018, to the area commander, Area ‘J’ Police Command, Ajah, Lagos, it was noted that the tenancy period had expired and a notice was served for vacation of the premises, and pay off of outstanding bill of N47 million being payment for rent, accumulated electricity bills and service charge.
The firm also sought the police’s intervention to ensure AY and his partners fix the property to its initial design before the lease.
In this letter a copy of which was received on AY’s behalf by his younger brother, Lanre Makun, the mall owner accused the partners of abysmal use and claim of ownership of the building.
But, AY’s manager, who simply identified himself as Amadi, refuted the allegations.
In a phone chat with The Nation, he said the comedian had no direct dealing with the owner of the property, and therefore should not be called out as a debtor.
“AY is just a part of the Board of Directors,” said Amadi, who added: “He is the lowest of the directors. There are others that are higher in position and there is also the head of the board, who all issues concerning the property should be directed to.
“The reason AY’s name is being mentioned is because he is popular. That building is used as a company, it is not owned by an individual. When the place was rented, it was in shambles, but the company fixed it up to what they wanted to use it for, which was a club.
“And when they were ready to vacate the place, they took everything that was theirs. There was also a case of elevator, which was promised by the owner of the building when the club started running, which he promised to fix, but did not.”
The last has certainly not been heard of this matter because Higher Ground Nigeria Ltd has vowed to use all legal means to ensure the debts are paid and the property fixed to its pre-lease status.
