Alleged Misconduct by Group CEO of Mandilas Enterprises Limited, Mrs. Olaore Debayo-Doherty

AUTOMOBILE, BOATYARDS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND ALLIED SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION (AUTOBATE)
AND
PRECISION, ELECTRICAL AND RELATED EQUIPMENT SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION (PERESSA)

AUTOBATE AND PERESSA ISSUE STATEMENT ON ALLEGED MISCONDUCT OF GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MANDILAS ENTERPRISES LIMITED, MRS. OLAORE DEBAYO-DOHERTY

November 4, 2024

The senior staff unions of Mandilas Enterprises Limited – the Automobile, Boatyards Transport Equipment and Allied Senior Staff Association (AUTOBATE) and the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA) – are deeply concerned by allegations of severe misconduct involving Mrs. Olaore Debayo-Doherty, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Mandilas Enterprises Limited. These allegations, reported in August 2024, range from financial misappropriation and misuse of company assets to unfair hiring practices and workplace discrimination.
The claims detailed in an online publication, supported by documented evidence, reveal troubling practices, including:

1. Financial Misappropriations: Donations allegedly totaling millions of Naira from company funds were made to private organizations, including religious institutions especially the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), without proper authorization or transparency. Despite these contributions, employees were denied end-of-year bonuses and other benefits, with management citing financial challenges.
2. Misuse of Company Assets: Reports indicate that properties acquired by the company through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were converted for personal use by Mrs. Debayo-Doherty.
3. Workplace Discrimination and Nepotism: Mrs. Debayo-Doherty allegedly employed close relatives and friends over the age stipulated by the company’s retirement policy, awarding them significantly inflated salaries while sidelining other employees’ welfare. Such practices directly contravene the company’s employment handbook, which mandates a retirement age of 55. Moreover, employees allege they face arbitrary terminations and punitive measures based on favoritism.
   The National Secretariat of AUTOBATE and PERESSA approached the executive leadership of Mandilas Enterprises in September 2024, seeking dialogue to address these alleged violations. However, our efforts were met with resistance, culminating in a deadlock at a meeting on September 24, 2024, due to the GCEO’s absence and her ongoing evasiveness.
   As trade unions, AUTOBATE and PERESSA are obligated to protect the rights and welfare of our members in line with both national labour laws and international standards. The allegations against the GCEO threaten the integrity and sustainability of Mandilas Enterprises, and, by extension, the livelihoods of our members who have dedicated years to building this company. In Nigeria, every citizens and of course employees have the right to a workplace free from discrimination and exploitation, and any actions that violate these standards are subject to investigation and correction.
   Furthermore, ILO conventions on freedom of association (Convention 87) and protection against anti-union discrimination (Convention 98) support our right to engage in collective bargaining without fear of reprisal. The unresponsiveness of the management and alleged retaliatory practices reported by workers undermine these conventions, which Nigeria is obliged to uphold.

Our Demands:
Given the gravity of these allegations and the GCEO’s reluctance to engage transparently with union representatives, AUTOBATE and PERESSA are left with no choice but to call for:

1. Immediate Suspension of the GCEO: To ensure an unbiased investigation, Mrs. Debayo-Doherty must step down pending an independent inquiry into her actions.
2. Protection for Whistleblowers and Employees: We demand that no employees face retaliation for raising their concerns or for participating in this investigation.
3. Improvement in Workers’ Welfare: It is unacceptable that workers’ benefits have stagnated since 2019, despite alleged lavish spending on personal interests by top management. We demand the reinstatement of bonuses, refreshments, and fair compensation practices.
4. Suspension of Asset Sales: No further sales of the company’s properties should occur without union oversight and clear justification.
   To safeguard the interests of both the company and our members, we have formally requested intervention from the EFCC and other relevant bodies. Mandilas Enterprises must be protected from any further risks that could lead to financial instability or loss of trust among its workforce.
   Our priority remains the stability and integrity of Mandilas Enterprises and the well-being of its employees. We will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and adherence to labor laws and standards, both nationally and globally, to ensure a fair and just resolution to this matter.
   The commitment of AUTOBATE and PERESSA to our members, Mandilas Enterprises, and the broader business community is unwavering. We call on all stakeholders, from regulatory bodies to social partners, to join us in preserving the dignity, sustainability, and ethical standards of Mandilas Enterprises.

Signed

Comrade Lai Brown Comrade Dele Ojo
General Secretary, General Secretary,
AUTOBATE. PERESSA