The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is pressing for decisive action against a Nigerian builder recently ousted from a prestigious international institute for professional misconduct.
Call for Disciplinary Action
In a formal petition, HEDA has called on the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) to immediately suspend and investigate Mr. Adekunle Onabekun. The demand comes in the wake of his expulsion from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in the United Kingdom. The anti-corruption group insists that CORBON must open its own disciplinary process to uphold professional standards within the country's construction sector.
The petition was signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and directed to the Registrar/CEO of CORBON, Adetunji Adeniran. It urges the council to suspend Onabekun's membership pending a full investigation into the serious allegations against him.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The case stems from a 2023 investigative report which detailed how Onabekun allegedly organized a deceptive program. The report claimed he impersonated the CIOB UK to run an event titled “CIOB Nigeria Meet 2023”. This was done through a business name registered as CIOB Nigeria HUB (BN: 870626).
It is alleged that Onabekun misled participants by promising them fast-tracked membership into the CIOB UK. Through this scheme, he reportedly collected as much as N10 million (approximately $21,000) from unsuspecting professionals and investors in Nigeria.
International Repercussions and Local Demands
In response to these actions, the CIOB UK denied ever authorizing the program. The institute took the severe step of expelling Onabekun from its membership, with the decision taking effect on May 1, 2025, citing professional misconduct.
HEDA emphasized that since Onabekun remains a member of CORBON, the Nigerian council has a responsibility to act. The organization stated that sanctioning Onabekun would reinforce professional integrity and serve as a strong deterrent against fraudulent activities among registered builders in Nigeria. This move is seen as crucial for cleaning up the industry and protecting its professionals.
