I Have No House Or Rented Apartment At Bodija – Sawane Youssouf, Speaks On Explosion, Consoles Victims

A Malian gemstone dealer, Alhaji Sawane Youssouf, has reacted to a viral write-up that linked him and his company to an explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

It will be recalled that Ibadan and Oyo State were thrown into mourning after explosive materials stored by occupants of a flat at Dejo Oyelese Street led to the explosion on Tuesday night.

This unfortunate incident resulted in the deaths and injuries of many residents in the vicinity and also affected properties and buildings.

Meanwhile, preliminary investigations by the security agencies have revealed that the occupants of the house at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, had stored explosive materials in their apartment. In his write-up, which has really gone viral, Muyideen Olagunju Esq identified Alhaji Sawane Youssouf as the main culprit who stored up the explosive materials; however, Alhaji Sawane Youssouf has come out to debunk the allegations, saying he has no link whatsoever with the apartment in question as he neither owns nor rents it.

Muyideen Olagunju claimed in his Facebook write-up that the explosion was the handiwork of Alhaji Sawane Youssouf, who engaged in mining operations in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State. He said Sawane has been stockpiling explosives in the said house for his extensive mining business.

In his reaction, while addressing journalists in Ibadan, Sawane Youssouf
expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, people, and government of Oyo State and Nigeria in general over the explosion. He further said he is a miner, operating legally in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, with a valid licence from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and Development.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, following the tragic explosion that occurred at Bodija on Tuesday night.

“My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this devastating incident.
My family and I stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time.

“The quick response by the state government and unrelenting support of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, no doubt saved more lives, and this is commendable.

“However, as we continue to mourn and offer prayers for those who have been affected by this disaster and the government and security operatives making progress in rescue operations, I would like to address the write-up by one Bar. Muyideen Olagunju.

“Truly, I am a Malian, a gemstone and mineral dealer, operating in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
I am the chairman of all Malians residing in Oyo State, Nigeria, a chapter of the ECOWAS members. I was elected president in 2016, and I have been dealing with precious stones in Nigeria for over 30 years.

“Though it is true that I jointly operated the registered firm called SDYB International Company Nigeria Limited with RC 511184 with Darame Ibrahima, Yattara Ibrahim, and Bakare Hakeem Oladimeji, but I can categorically say that the firm has ceased to operate since 2014 as a result of unresolved issues among the subscribers and directors. As a matter of fact, the winding up of the company was initiated several years back. I can also emphatically say that I have not had any business dealing with SDYB or her directors in the last 12 years.

“Furthermore, I am telling the general public that I, Alhaji Sawane Youssouf, never at any time rented an apartment either for myself or workers or bought a house for myself or workers at Dejo Oyelese Street in Bodija, Ibadan.

“I am saying it to whom it may concern that Bar. Muyideen Olagunji mistook me for the miner who owned or rented the apartment at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan.

“However, my rebuttal of having a connection with the people living in the apartment where the explosion occurred doesn’t mean I am not available or will not render support to the state government and security agencies if I am called on,” Sawane Youssouf concluded.