Leke’s Tenure
Chapter 2.2 Audio – Leke’s Tenure
Oyewole Olugbenga Leke’s Controversial Tenure at Global West
Goals and Objectives of the Estate of Romeo Itima
I understand that many inaccurate portrayals of my (Kevin Itima) motives and intentions have circulated over the years. Let me be clear: my father did not build this company alone—he worked tirelessly with the support of many others. The maritime industry, especially at the level my father pursued, demands significant capital, and he sacrificed nearly everything he had to ensure its success. We have never sought wealth through manipulation, dishonesty, or greed. To clarify, the Estate of Romeo Itima pursues the following goals:
- Accurately account for all income owed to or paid to Global West.
- Identify and verify outstanding debts.
- Ensure timely and fair payment of salaries to all Global West staff.
- Locate and confirm ownership of all assets purchased with Global West funds.
- Oversee the responsible liquidation of Global West assets.
- Ensure proper distribution to all legitimate investors.
- Facilitate equitable dividend distribution among rightful shareholders.
A Period Marked by Uncertainty, Frustration, and Resilience
In November 2020, amidst unsettling death threats from William Itima aimed at Romeo Itima’s family, the Estate reluctantly withdrew legal action concerning Global West. This concession marked the beginning of a turbulent period in the history of Global West, punctuated by mistrust, disappointment, and perseverance.
Unexpected Return & Ambiguous Intentions
Following the sudden passing of Winfred Itima in October 2023, Oyewole Olugbenga Leke resurfaced, unexpectedly reaching out to Romeo Itima’s family, seeking their support for his bid to become the Managing Director of Global West. This was met initially with cautious optimism tempered by skepticism, given Leke’s previous disengagement and perceived abandonment after Romeo Itima’s death.
Timeline of Events Leke vs. Estate of Captain Romeo (Global West Dispute)
Leke's Corporate History
Shareholders Meeting: Transparency or Deception?
On February 4, 2024, shareholders convened virtually, purportedly to discuss Global West’s corporate affairs. Instead, the meeting swiftly pivoted into a vote on Leke’s appointment as Managing Director—a move that blindsided Romeo Itima’s estate. Despite legitimate inquiries about Global West’s current financial status and operational details, Leke provided unsatisfactory and evasive answers, leading Romeo’s Estate to withhold their vote.
Unbeknownst to the Estate, Leke had secretly secured support from two shareholders in November 2023, concealing critical facts, including his resignation and forfeiture of shares dating back to 2011—a revelation that only surfaced later in 2024.
Watch the full Shareholders Meeting
Communication Breakdown & Exasperation
Post-meeting negotiations saw Leke proposing to buy out the Estate’s shares. Although the Estate communicated openness to negotiate, Leke failed to respond adequately, instead selectively sharing incomplete information. Each subsequent request for clarity was met with increasing annoyance and evasion, deepening mistrust and frustration.
The Estate of Romeo Itima, while fully respecting collective ownership, rightfully insisted on transparency as legally mandated under Nigeria’s Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020). Yet, basic financial disclosures, clear communication on asset statuses, and corporate governance details consistently remained elusive under Leke’s management.
Whatsapp Messages From Mr. Leke
Seeking Transparency: Upholding Romeo Itima’s Legacy at Global West
For the rest of 2024, Leke continued serving as Managing Director (MD). Although I did not support Leke becoming MD, I suggested he include Jolly, the Operations Manager, as part of his team. Jolly had the right skills and had been working closely with my father since the early days of Global West. Instead, Leke chose to bring back Mr. Bisi, who had resigned from the company in 2015.
In November 2024, I finally spoke directly with Global West’s lawyer, Senior Advocate Adeyyinka Olumide-Fusika. During a conference call attended by my attorney. The lawyer assured me he was committed to ethical practices and stated clearly that his actions reflected the wishes of his client, Global West. He emphasized that he had observed no unethical behavior by the company. When I expressed my concerns and my desire for transparency, he assured me there should be no issue and suggested cooperating with Leke would yield the best outcome.
Encouraged by this sincere conversation, I decided to try once more.
Trying to Reengage with Mr. Oyewole Olugbenga Leke
On January 16, 2025, I reached out to Mr. Oyewole Olugbenga Leke by email to ask basic questions I believed any Managing Director of a year should be able to answer. I waited more than a month for a clear explanation, but his replies were just as incomplete as before. They never addressed the main issue: who does Global West owe money to, and how much do they owe?
By February 9, my patience had run out. I sent Mr. Leke a formal demand letter, giving him 24 hours to answer these questions clearly or face legal action. His final response once again painted me as “irrational” and a “bully,” and his tone seemed even more extreme. I also found it strange that the board resolution from June 2024, which named him Managing Director, was signed by only one director, Rear Admiral Ombo. If Mr. Leke were truly doing his job, all shareholders would have been informed about the company’s finances by now. Six months should be enough time to gather financial information and share it with shareholders.
His last statement suggested there was no reasoning with him and hinted at a deeper plot: “If you are in doubt about this, you know who to escalate the issue to.” I believe he was referring to my uncle, William Itima, who once threatened my life. Mr. Leke was not present during that threat, and I never told him about it, so I can only assume my uncle shared the details with him.
Sadly, this behavior seems to continue the legacy left by my uncle Winfred, and now Mr. Leke has picked up where he left off. They use laws and procedures when they find it helpful, but ignore them otherwise. They act like respectable businessmen while treating me like a child with no right to ask questions about the company my father built, in which we now hold a majority share. Yet, under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, shareholders have every right to seek information. It is frustrating that, even after 13 years, we cannot get straight answers.
What about the Other Shareholders?
What about the other shareholders? Even after my uncle William threatened me, I tried reaching out to him again. I explained that, even if he and the other shareholders do not trust me, they should at least demand proper answers from Mr. Leke and judge for themselves. I have shared certified true copies of many documents to back up my claims, but it seems they would rather not know the truth.
Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020
Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, shareholders (members) rely on various categories of information to make informed decisions and exercise their rights. Below is a consolidated view of the critical information that must be disclosed or made accessible to shareholders:
Below is an outline of shareholders’ (referred to in the Act as “members”) rights under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, together with references to the relevant sections and page numbers in the Act:
