Family of foremost industrialist and philanthropist; late Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony has criticised some Banks and Registrars of companies for collaborating with those who embarked on “multi-layered bilking” wherein all the statutory beneficiaries as stipulated in Anthony’s Will including no fewer than twenty Corporate entities have been denied their benefits for over three decades.
Addressing crime reporters at the Mike Okiro Press Centre, Ikeja Lagos, spokesperson for the family and an Executive Probated Trustee of Bank Anthony’s Estate, Queen Irene Cole said the banks (names with-held) were not open and transparent in their involvement in what obviously has become a big scam involving some of the nominated trustees who were to replace some of the original Trustee at their demise.
According to Queen Cole who was accompanied at the conference by Miss Funmiade Bank-Anthony; a grand child of the late Sir Bank Anthony, lawyers and consultant to the Estate, said at his death on 26th May, 1991; Anthony had the bulk of over $50 billion worth of estate in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States of America and Isle of Jersey.
He had left a Will and Testament dated 10th April, 1991 in which some institutional and other beneficiaries were named with some persons mentioned as Trustees/executors.
At his death, not many of the family members knew details of the Will which was updated last on April 10, 1991 in which Anthony had nominated four Trustees including Dr. Bolaji Kuti, Dr. Abiola Refell, Aleshilonye Williams and Dr. Deinde Aganga-Williams (Nee Adio-Moses) to replace some of the dead original trustees.
While Dr. Kuti was Bank Anthony’s family doctor with no blood relationship, Williams and Reffel were said to be related to Bank Anthony family.
Regrettably, Dr. Aganga-Williams for over 29 years did not know that her name was nominated as a Trustee in the Will.
Among them, only Dr. Kuti got Probated at the time after the transition of some of the original Trustees. It was disclosed that since the Will bars a single Trustee from acting solely, the other individuals teamed up to give a facade of being properly in charge. “They then proceeded to coldly bilk the estate’s large concerns in Nigeria, UK and the Isles of Jersey for over 29 years at the expense of all named institutional beneficiaries and worthy causes that were dear to the heart of Sir Bank Anthony.”
“It became a free for all as each one appropriated what he or she could reach before the other. Beyond criminal negligence, the strong threads of collusion in this respect, are linked to Bankers, Registrars and certain persons in the shadows.”
According to Bank Anthony family, with the death of the original executors/trustees of the Will and death of two members of the latter group of Trustees namely Dr. Bolaji Kuti and Dr. Abiola Reffell, the group was now left with the third and main kingpin, Mr. Aleshilonye Williams who also goes by the name of Olajide Aleshilonye. He was said to have converted millions of money meant for different beneficiaries, conniving with sundry Registrars over shares held by the Testator and declaring to the Bank Anthony larger family that they were left out of the Will and in turn gave them 200 million naira to share claiming that the gift was from his personal pocket.
The family alleged that “using a multi-layered network of strange law enforcement top notch, footmen, rough necks and enforcers, they billed the estate for over three decades. They left the beneficiaries out, in the cold with nothing, through concealment, deceit and outright violation of the trust for personal gains.”
Some of the institutions championing lofty causes for which Sir Bank Anthony left regular annual and other huge grants which were frustrated by Aleshilonye and his gang included Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony Cancer Research Funds at the University of Ibadan, The Nigerian Society for the Blind, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigerian Academy of Science and others.
The larger Bank Anthony family had remained in the dark over the years with respect to the provisions of the Will until July 13, 2019 when one of his grand daughters Miss Funmiade Bank Anthony, an actress raised hue and cry in a press conference about how her grand father died leaving 48 properties but left nothing for his family.
Publications from the conference had gone viral and incidentally caught the attention of Queen Irene Cole, daughter of Thomas Babington Olusoji Cole; a best friend to Sir Bank Anthony in their life time. It was in an attempt to correct the negative comments against the late Bank Anthony who according to her was a Godfather to her and a good family friend that she got involved. It was her interest in the family that gave clue to what has come to the public space as a well greased international heist led by Williams Aleshilonye who incidentally is not a Probated Trustee.
According to Queen Irene Cole, her determination to bring the issue to light almost led to her murder by the agents of Aleshilonye’s gang who took her and her Personal Assistant hostage at gun point and threatened them with death to release some original documents.
“The dark reason behind the unbridled harassment, death threats and incessant arrests and detention was because Queen Irene Cole has knowledge and proof of Sir Bank Anthony’s Will which was a most compassionate bequest to 20 Nigerian corporate entities, laudable causes and some other beneficiaries” she told journalists.
With Dr. Deinde Aganga-Williams now as the Lead Trustee, the leader of the criminal gang Aleshilonye and henchman Mr. Cornelius Taiwo Olaoma “are now within the arms and grip of the law.”
The family however has cried out loud with the contention that Banks and or Registrars who allowed the culprits to run accounts without being Probated Trustees of the Estate Accounts have continued to create roadblocks to steal and deprive the beneficiaries.
The family has therefore appealed to the Inspector General of Police to look into a number of Banks or Registrars with any account belonging to Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony.
For over three decades now; the solemn last wishes and testamentary dispositions of Nigeria’s all-time leading light in social entrepreneurship; foremost industrialist and Philanthropist, Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony: suffered extreme violence through a multilayered bilking network of a group of 2 men and a woman in concert with shadowy public officials in ‘high’ places.
A statement made by the probated Trustees and Executors of the estate of Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony on Tuesday 17th May 2022 at the Mike Okiro Press centre, Oduduwa, G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos State and signed by Queen Irene Cole, the Spokesperson, read that Sir Bank-Anthony, KBE, CFR, D.Litt., LL.D, transited on 26th May 1991 and in tune with his archetypal humanitarian ideals, left the bulk of his over $50 billion (USD) worth of estate (in Nigeria, UK, USA and Isle of Jersey) benefits that he established for eternity, for some institutional and other named Beneficiaries: as the inevitable successors of his shining legacies, vide his last Will and Testament dated 10th April 1991.
“The Will was proved and registered in court, in the Lagos State of Nigeria on 7th April 1993. Verified at the Probate Registry. Ikeja.
“First, the world must realize that this is not a family dispute. It is a crime of unconscionable magnitude by 3 individuals, 2 deceased and 1 still in circulation.
“In his last Will of 10th April 1991, Sir Bank-Anthony nominated Trustees. Only Dr Kuti got probated (at the time) after the transition of some original Trustees.
“However, the Will bars a single Trustee from acting solely. At this juncture, the other individuals teamed up to give a facade of being properly in charge. They then proceeded to coldly bilk the estate’s large concerns in Nigeria, the UK and the Isles of Jersey for over 29 years, at the expense of all named institutional beneficiaries and worthy causes that were dear to the heart of Sir Bank Anthony.
“It became a free for all as each one appropriated what he or she could reach before the other. Beyond criminal negligence, the strong threads of collusion in this respect, are linked to Bankers, Registrars and certain persons in the shadows.
“In all of these, not even one property was renovated instead the cherished “Fountain Pen” house where Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony lived and died was handed over Aleshinloye Williams to a dubious developer for N5M at Ikoyi and nothing for the Beneficiaries to date.
“Along the line, efforts by these probated Trustees spearheaded by Queen Irene Cole almost led to their murder by the agents of the gang. She and her Personal Assistant we’re taken at gunpoint and threatened with death, to release some original documents.
“Though the Complainant, herself, her PA, Mr Amariwu were taken to Lion building fortunately Barrister Sholape noticed that it was unofficial to intimidate and had them immediately released unfortunately her domestic staff ended up being handcuffed and locked away at Lion Building, Police Cells.
“The intimidation and impunity continued with the domestic staff being ferried to Abuja and held incommunicado under severe dehumanising conditions for one month.
“Not done with the murderous desperation to quieten all legitimate inquiries into its nefarious activities and stranglehold over the multibillion-dollar estate, Aleshinloye instigated uniformed men to invade Amariwu’s residence, abducting him and railroaded him in Ikoyi prison on false charges.
“Meanwhile his wife and four children aged 2 to 9years were arrested and taken to Alagbon FCID detained after midnight in their pyjamas and left in the streets to warn their mother never to go back home otherwise any of her children may end up missing.
“The dark reason behind the unbridled harassment, death threats and incessant arrests and detention was that Queen Irene Cole has knowledge and proof of Sir Banks Will: which was a most compassionate bequest to 20 Nigerian corporate entities, laudable causes and some other beneficiaries.
“As it were, she in effect, exposed an almost three decades filthy secret! Hence, the knells were unleashed to silence her and everyone around her – by all means possible!
“With the transition of the original executors/ trustees of the will, who out and the deaths of two members of the latter group, namely, Dr Bolaji Kuti and Dr Abiola Refell: the group was now left with the third and main kingpin, Mr Aleshinloye Williams also known as Olajide Aleshinloye.
“He then went haywire: converting millions of money meant for different beneficiaries; conniving with sundry Registrars over shares held by the Testator and declaring to his larger family that they were left out of the Will – giving them 200 million naira to share.
“By a swipe of flawless confidence trickery, he got the entire clan to reecho after him; that they had no say in the Will and the sum of 5 million each person got from the bulk, was a gift from his deep pockets and large heart.
“Using a multi-layered network of strange law enforcement top-notch, footmen, rough-necks and enforcers; they bilked the estate for over three decades! Within this period, they left the beneficiaries out, in the cold with nothing: through concealment, deceit and outright violation of the trust, for personal gains.
“Some of the institutions championing lofty causes for which Sir Bank Anthony left regular annual and other huge grants which were frustrated by these men that included:
1.) IJEBU-ODE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, IJEBU-ODE OGUN STATE (the establishment of SIR BANK-ANTHONY LIBRARY and a DEVISED QUARTERLY BENEFITS FOR EQUIPPING THE LIBRARY).
2.) UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL IJEBU-ODE GRAMMAR SCHOOL IJEBU-ODE
3.) SIR MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY CANCER RESEARCH FUNDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, OYO STATE
4). THE SIR MOBOLAJI bank-ANTHONY CANCER RESEARCH FUND (ANOTHER BEQUEST)
5.) THE SIR MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FOR UROLOGY, NEPHROLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, OYO STATE.
6.) THE SIR MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FOR UROLOGY, NEPHROLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, OYO STATE (ANOTHER BEQUEST)
7.) THE SIR MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FOR UROLOGY, NEPHROLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, OYO STATE (ANOTHER BEQUEST).
8.) THE OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF IBADAN UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
9.) UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE DEAN OR THE PROVOST OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN CONCERNED WITH THE SIR MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY CANCER RESEARCH FUND (ANOTHER BEQUEST.)
10.) UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE PROVOST OF THE FACULTY CONCERNED WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, THE SIR MOBOLAJI BANK-ANTHONY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP FOR UROLOGY, NEPHROLOGY AND FORENSIC MEDICINE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN (ANOTHER BEQUEST)
11). NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE C/O OF THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AKOKA, LAGOS. CASH BENEFIT EVERY OTHER YEAR.
12.) THE OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA, KADUNA.
13.) THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
14). THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND ANNUAL BENEFITS SPECIALLY FOR THE PROVISION OF TEACHING AIDS AND MODERN EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES FOR THE BLIND.
15.) THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND: FULL SPONSORSHIP OF A NIGERIAN TO STUDY TEACHING AND CARING OF THE BLIND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR OTHER OVERSEAS COUNTRIES OR NIGERIA, PROVIDED THAT THE RECIPIENT SHALL RETURN TO TEACH AND CARE FOR THE BLIND IN NIGERIA
16). PACELLI SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
17). BOYS SCOUT MOVEMENT OF NIGERIA
18.) NATIONAL POST GRADUATE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF NIGERIA LAGOS (CASH BENEFIT EVERY OTHER YEAR.)
19). PROVISIONS WERE MADE TO BUILD A SCHOOL IN LAGOS TO BE CALLED THE ALHAJA ABIODUN BANK- ANTHONY GIRLS SCHOOL
20.) A MOSQUE TO BE DEVELOPED FROM ONE OF SIR BANKS PROPERTIES TO BE NAMED, ALHAJA RABIATU MOSQUE.
HOW IT ALL STARTED.
Interestingly, it is noteworthy that in a press conference on July 13th 2019, one of his granddaughters, Ms Funmiade Bank- Anthony an Actress, raised the hue and cry about how her grandfather died, leaving over 48 properties but left nothing for his family.

“Expectedly, the publication went viral but the negative reviews and side comments greatly troubled Queen Irene Cole, who was then vacationing in the country. Naturally, it should, as the famed philanthropist was her Godfather.

“Her father was Thomas Babington Olusoji Cole and best friend to Sir Bank Anthony. Those negative comments about Sir Banks could not leave her in peace. What Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony meant to Nigeria today and who he stands for tomorrow is now in black and white in certified true copy. He stood for and stands for humanitarianism, charitable corporations, spread of light, love and joy.

“Thus, it became known that the principal actor in the entire charade was not even a probated trustee. Jide Aleshinloye was not probated and had no locus to act as trustee.

“Consequently, Funmiade, Queen Irene Cole, Barr Kayode Fasetire and Christian Amariwu realised they were up against a well-greased international heist. And had to double down on all legal redress.

“Suddenly, in the heat of this passion, came a complete turnaround by the gang. They claimed to be sorry and were ready to give N200 million to the descendants of Sir Bank-Anthony to share at N5 million each. They were urged to forget about the corporate to get more money and properties. The only clause was that Queen Irene Cole whom he said was not the reason why they gave this money to the larger family have to be alienated.

“Today, through the concerted efforts of the probated Trustees/ Executors / Executrixs, under the Lead Trustee; Dr Deinde Aganga-Williams Nee Adio-Moses who was nominated in the Will for over 29 years without informing her that she had been nominated. Justice S.A. Onigbanjo requested that she must be found and today she is the Lead Trustee of this Estate.

“The leader of this gang Mr Aleshinloye and his henchman Mr Cornelius Taiwo Olaoma are now within the arms and grip of the law.

“Unfortunately we have reached a problem of the Recovery where the Banks and or registrar’s who allowed the culprits to run accounts without being probated Trustees of the Estate accounts and the Registrars are powerful and continue to create roadblocks to steal and deprive the Beneficiaries.

“For instance we’ve served and provided all documentation but when we served First Registrars again on the 6th of November 2021 only to find out that money had been removed on the 11th November 2021. We quickly complained to the police.

“A Barrister Nimbe and Mr. Henry claimed that it was money from Sir Bank-Anthony that had been abandoned. So on that 11/11/2021 he claimed it was sent back to the companies.

“Whilst we were in the police station both the head of compliance said that they don’t know how much money that was sent back because they said they mixed it with other clients money. So they claimed that the money has gone. As for the rest of the money they said they were compiling and after another week they will upload to the Estate account.

“We are still waiting. With the welcome collaboration of the crack Federal Criminal Investigations Department of the Nigerian Police Force, Our major problem to diffuse is that the banks and or Registrars are either delaying on payment that is due NOW but trying to work on someone to bring in a lawsuit to delay but that failed when we wrote the children.

“We need an open appeal to the Inspector General of Police to look into a number of Banks or Registrars with any account Belonging to Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony who have been intentionally refusing with delayed tactics. I believe that it will solve our problem. It is strongly hoped that the deprived institutional beneficiaries and descendants of this famous philanthropist; shall mime songs of Thanksgiving for a new enlivening reign of fresh air..” the statement read.
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