Compt. Kola Oladeji
An air of relief pervaded the entire ambiance of the Federal Operations Unit(FOU), Zone A, Lagos , when the news of the removal of its Controller, Comptroller Kola, filtered in.
The officers, who had silently endured the one-year maximum rule of the Customs chief with philosophical calmness, could barely restrain their effusive joy at the redeployment of the Customs’ Controller.
The Comptroller General of Customs(CGC) Adewale Adeniyi had approved the redeployment of Comptroller Oladeji to the Abuja Headquarters of the service, while Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu was redeployed from Idiroko command to replace Oladeji .
It would be recalled that Comptroller Adedeji took over the reins of affairs at the FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, from Compt Kehinde Hussein Ejibunu On April 21, 2024.
Some of the officers who spoke to Eyewitness reporter on strict condition of confidentiality for fear of reprisal, claimed that the one year rule of Comptroller Adedeji at the FOU U, Zone A, was marked with alleged high-handedness, intimidation and tensed atmosphere due to what they described as his unorthodox administrative style.
”He administered the Unit like a maximum ruler with unfriendly miens and larger than life attitude. He behaved like an emperor.
“Anytime he was around, the atmosphere was always tensed.
Most of the officers, especially the senior ones, were barely tolerating him due to the command structure in the service.
”His deployment was a huge relief for us in the unit” an officer declared.
Comptroller Adedeji was also known for the shabby manner he treated journalists whom he always regarded as intruders.
He courted few journalists out of necessity whom he used to give visibility to the activities of the unit.
He however kept majority of the news hoods at arms length.
Generally, he exhibited undisguised disdain for the media practitioners for fear of exposure.
Some stakeholders, especially importers and their agents, also bemoaned the tenure of Comptroller Adedeji whom they accused of anti- trade activities through the operations of his men on the road.
”They often seized containers duly examined and released from the ports and wilfully taken to their office.
“When they got there, they will accuse you of carrying contraband and insisted on reexamining the containers.
“Often times, nothing indiscriminating would be found in most of these held containers.
“Despite that, you can’t get your containers out without parting with something.
“If you refused to do the needful, your containers will remain in their custody. Because most importers detest delays, they were often forced to part with something in order to get their goods out of the unit.
“This act of extortion was rampant under the tenure of the Controller” a freight forwarder based on Tin Can Island port alleged. Despite his shortcomings, the unit under Comptroller Adedeji recorded an appreciable seizure of contraband and smuggled goods.
“However, his alleged shortcomings obliterated his supposedly appreciable efforts as the estwhile helmsman of FOU, Zone A, Lagos.
“He would surely not be missed by majority of people, including some of his officers, importers, freight forwarders and maritime journalists.”
It was also gathered that his spirited effort to lobby the authority to stay as the Unit’s head fell flat on its face as he had allegedly stepped on many powerful toes due to his abrasive behavior.
Source –EYEWITNESS
