The Warri Urban Security Network (WUSN) has urged the public to disregard misleading reports surrounding the dispute between the family of the late Kenneth Gbagi, former Minister of Education, and some tenants of Robinson Plaza located on Deco Road in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The security group cautioned against the spread of misinformation capable of inflaming tensions, particularly calling on activist Zik Gbemre and other commentators to refrain from circulating unverified claims about the matter.
According to WUSN, the disagreement between the Gbagi family and certain tenants arose from unresolved issues relating to rent payments and accumulated service charges.
The matter, which has persisted for some time, has resulted in several petitions to various police units before being escalated to the Delta State Police Headquarters in Asaba.
The dispute is also currently the subject of litigation in courts within Warri and surrounding areas.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group expressed concern about what it described as attempts by external actors to distort the facts surrounding the dispute for personal or political motives.
The security network clarified that the earlier confusion regarding the appropriate bank account for rent payments had already been resolved, adding that tenants have been instructed to continue using the original account for their payments.
It noted that many tenants have complied with the directive.
WUSN explained that the remaining issues relate primarily to unpaid utility and service charges, including fees for water supply, security services, sewage disposal, parking and electricity.
The group stated that tenants who have cleared their outstanding obligations have regained access to their shops and resumed business activities, while those yet to settle the arrears are encouraged to do so in order to reopen their premises.
In the statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Frank Adagbabiri, and Secretary, Chinedu Ejiofor, WUSN criticised what it described as attempts to drag security agencies into unnecessary controversy.
“Our attention has been drawn to recent publications by activist Zik Gbemre regarding the matter. We are concerned about efforts to interfere in the Gbagi family’s affairs and to portray the situation inaccurately.
“We particularly commend DCP Alani Adegoke of the Delta State Police Command for the professional manner in which he has handled the matter,” the statement said.
The group further disclosed that its findings indicated that most of the key issues between the Gbagi family and the tenants had largely been addressed, with only a few cases involving unpaid service charges still outstanding.
WUSN also commended Emuoboh Gbagi, son of the late elder statesman, for what it described as his effective management of his father’s estate and business interests.
According to the group, the family has continued to sustain several business and development initiatives associated with the late Kenneth Gbagi, including the construction of a new plaza in Ugbolokoso and the maintenance of facilities at Deco Road and P.T.I. Junction, alongside improvements in electricity supply and expansion of educational and commercial ventures linked to the family.
Addressing rumours circulating on social media about the existence of an alleged eldest son of the late patriarch born outside wedlock, WUSN dismissed the claim, stating that the individual being referenced has no familial relationship with the Gbagi family and had previously contested elections under a different surname.
The security network therefore called on the public to disregard what it described as unfounded narratives about the family, stressing that the Gbagi family remains united and committed to preserving the legacy of the late Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
