Inside Ogun

19/02/2024

SALAMI VISITS AKUTE UNDER BRIDGE...Orders Immediate Release Of Building Blocks For Fencing Of Zumura Schools Complex.

The member of Ogun State House of Assembly representing Ifo II State Constituency, Hon. Fola Salami this morning visited Akute Under Bridge to monitor compliance with the clean off activities of the Ogun State Ministry of Environment whose intervention resulted in the clearing of shanties and illegal shops erected under the uncompleted flyover in Akute.

He also paid a courtesy visit to Zumura Schools' Complex in Akute to see the situation of things concerning the conducive nature of the schools whose surroundings was taken over by traders until the intervention of the Task Force Unit of Ogun State Ministry of Environment last week.

The ever responsive Legislator met with the staff of the school,ordered immediate release of building blocks in conjunction with a notable leader in APC Ajuwon-Akute Ward Chief Muraina Banjoko who was also a contributor to the provision of building blocks for the fencing.

The Ward Women leader, other Ward Excos and party members were part of the visiting team.

© FASCO MEDIA

19/02/2024

Breaking: Senator Shuaib Salisu Empowers 1,000 Brilliant Indigent Students with Free JAMB Forms

The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has demonstrated a firm commitment to the educational empowerment of his constituents by providing free JAMB forms to 1,000 brilliant indigent candidates within his senatorial district. This philanthropic initiative is a testament to Senator Salisu's dedication to encouraging educational excellence and improving access to educational opportunities.

To ensure that this initiative achieves its objective of identifying and supporting truly deserving candidates with promising educational careers, a two-pronged approach has been adopted to select the beneficiaries across the six (6) Local Government Areas in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

The support of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology was enlisted to identify and nominate six hundred (600) brilliant indigent candidates from public schools; and one hundred (100) from each of the six Local Government Areas, based on their academic performance as contained in the Ministry’s Education Information Management System. The remaining four hundred (400) candidates were selected in collaboration with stakeholders across the Senatorial District. This batch is targeted at those who have completed secondary school education and possess a minimum of five O’level credits at not more than two sittings but whose academic progression has been hampered by a lack of financial support to proceed.

In a statement from his media office, Senator Salisu said the initiative aims to provide critical support to indigent students with promising academic performances and serves as an expression of appreciation and support for the commendable educational initiatives of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration, particularly its invaluable contributions to the education sector.

The statement adds that the initiative is in line with Senator Salisu's profound belief in the transformative power of education, citing himself as an example of the benevolence of God and education is the bedrock of his significant achievements in life, including the honour of being a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Senator Salisu recognizes the pivotal role education plays in nation-building and views this gesture as a strategic investment in the future intellectual capital of the Senatorial District, our dear Ogun State, and the Nation at large. Our focus is the outcome, which is to ensure that this initiative is not just an exercise for public acclaim but one that will ensure that the beneficiaries truly advance to the next rung in the academic ladder whilst we closely follow and monitor their progress. And this vision is reflected in the transparent and objective method adopted in their selection", the statement adds.

He further urged the recipients of the free JAMB forms to seize the opportunity and maximize their potential, whilst reiterating his commitment to the educational advancement of his constituents with promises of more initiatives to follow.

19/02/2024

Happening Now: Hon. Fola Salami (Member OGHA Ifo II State Constituency) on Road inspection tour with Hon. (Engr) Babatunde Adeshina (SSA works) and Hon (Mrs) Kikelomo Delano, Executive Chairman Ifo local government as Ogun State Government begins the Construction of Toyin/Tajubello /Giwa Road and Akute-Ajuwon Road

Details loading

17/02/2024

Senator Salisu launches Media Award For Ogun Journalists
…donates Solar powered inverter to NUJ secretariat

ABEOKUTA -- The senator representing Ogun Central senatorial district, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has given his approval to the setting up and funding of an annual award ceremony for outstanding journalists in Ogun State to be known as the SAS Media award.

Salisu, who paid an unscheduled visit to the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at its secretariat in Iwe Irohin, Abeokuta also promised to immediately sponsor the installation of solar powered inverter to light up the Union's office.

"On the SAS media award for outstanding journalists during press week, I hereby support the motion.

"Also, whether this place is outdated or not this place needs to have maximum power. I am here as a Senator of journalists, because this Iwe-irohin is the cradle of journalism. I also approve the installation of solar power", he said

The senator, while briefing the newsmen on his 9 months sojourn at the 10th National Assembly noted that it is important for Nigerians to be patient with the current administration of Bola Tinubu, saying that the current challenges are dated.

He emphasized that the media must stand in the gap, to enlighten the public on government policies which according to him will yield positive results soon.

"I acknowledge the challenges faced by Nigerians, I appeal for your commitment to continue enlightening our people.

"It is crucial to strike a balance in legislative duty, especially during challenging times when we distributed aid to bring solace.

"These times demand a government with clarity, even in the face of inevitable pains, as they pave the way for future relief.

"Despite challenges in the oil sector, the government, under Bola Tinubu's leadership, is resolute in its clear direction. A collective show of support for the administration is imperative, and the positive impact of federal savings is now cascading down to states and local governments", he added

Earlier in his speech, the NUJ Chairman, Comrd. Wale Olarenwaju appreciated the presence of the senator, while seeking for support for the welfare of journalists in the State.

30/10/2023

Delighted to announce the launch of OGUN STATE Government highly anticipated E-mobility program, scheduled to take place today. This significant achievement follows the successful conversion of all our government-owned buses from petrol-dependent to the cleaner and more sustainable Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Ogun State Internal Revenue Service - OGIRS

28/10/2023

Abiodun mourns Alaba Lawson, says she was a blessing to many

Ogun State Governor Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun - MFR has described the death of the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, as a huge loss to the nation.

Abiodun, who said he received the news of the passing of the business magnate, educational entrepreneur and administrator with great shock, said he took solace in the fact that the deceased left huge landmarks across a broad spectrum of the Nigerian landscape and would be remembered for being a blessing to thousands of Nigerians who crossed paths with her.

He added that as an epitome of excellence, the late Chief (Mrs) Lawson represented the very best of Nigerian womanhood and was a model to generations of women.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, Abiodun said: “The passing of Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson is without doubt a shocking development, but we are consoled by her sterling record of service to humanity and unblemished contributions to the development of Ogun State.

“Born into the highly distinguished Jibodu-Taiwo family of Abeokuta, Chief (Mrs) Lawson was an exemplar of the popular Yoruba dictum of one born into nobility but who goes on to achieve self-rebirth, showcasing the timeless Omoluabi qualities that the Yoruba hold so dear.

“From her education in Nigeria to her sojourn in the United Kingdom, teaching in several schools while studying at the St. Nicholas Montessori Teachers’ Training College at Prince's Gate, England in 1973 where she set a record by becoming the first African to obtain a First Class Diploma in Education, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson showcased uncommon commitment to excellence.

“When she returned home, she established a string of schools that have shaped the lives of generations of students and contributed immensely to Ogun State’s profile as Nigeria’s education capital.

“Whether as the first female president of NACCIMA, chairman of the board of the Governing Council, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State; Otun Iyalode of the Egba Christians, or the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Lawson was the quintessential definition of a pacesetter. She was thoroughly accomplished and distinguished.

“Among other imperishable legacies, the Lawson’s Group of Schools comprising Lawson’s International Private School, Lawson’s Continuing Education Centre, Alaba Lawson Royal College, Abeokuta and Alaba Lawson School of Advanced Studies will continue to bear eloquent testimony to her genius.

“She will be sorely missed.”

Governor Abiodun commiserated with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba (Dr) Adedotun Gbadebo, and his chiefs, the Lawson family and the nation in general on her demise and prayed that the Almighty God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

27/10/2023

Ogun: 603 Students Get Scholarships From Gbemiga Abiodun Education Programme

The desire of indigent students in Remoland to continue to have access to quality education is now a reality with the award of scholarships by the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Program to 603 students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across Ogun state.

The Gbemiga Abiodun Education Program was launched by Governor Dapo Abiodun and his wife in memory of their late son on the 7th of October, 2023, in Iperu.

At the presentation of cash awards to the 603 beneficiaries from the primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, Prince Abiodun described the program as a demonstration of how best to remember, honuor and celebrate loved ones.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu presented 224 beneficiaries from the primary school with a cash reward of N50,000 each, a school bag with four exercise books; 279 beneficiaries from secondary schools received N100,000 each, a school bag with six exercise books, while 100 beneficiaries from tertiary institutions got cash reward of N250,000 each and eight exercise books.

Abiodun also disclosed that 113 beneficiaries were drawn from the local government list, with 44 and 69 beneficiaries from the primary and secondary school category, respectively.

He added that in the primary school category, Ikenne, Remo North and Sagamu Local Government had 56, 45, and 79 beneficiaries, respectively.

The governor further said that in the secondary category 70, 48 and 92, beneficiaries were picked from Ikenne, Remo North, and Sagamu Local Government.

"As we are seated here, there are 603 students that have been chosen for this award, and as I mentioned the last time, most of these scholarships are actually based on merits.

"Because we have a digitalized system in Ogun State through which we can track most of the things we do in the education sector, we were able to go into the digital platform of Education Revitalisation in Ogun State to get the best students in each of the local governments.

"If you find out that some schools have more recepients than others, it is not because they are favoured, it is because more students have done well in these schools and you know it is based on the performance of the unified examination," he said.

Professor Arigbabu noted that the cash awards in the tertiary category would be paid directly to the various institutions of the beneficiaries.

"What we have done is to calculate. For instance, we have the details according to institutions. For Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, the total number of beneficiaries is eight.

"It is a total of eight multiplied by N250,000, that is N2 million will go to the institution. However, it is meant to ensure that your school fees are paid out of that money. We don't know how much the school fees are; it varies. Some of you have paid already, while some are yet to pay.

"What we want to ensure is that when the money gets to the institution, they remove the school fees and then give you the balance. We want to ensure that the scholarship is used for the purpose it is designed for," he added.

Adegboye Oluwademilade Samuel from Ogunlesi Model College and Adenuga Feranmi from Daniel Comprehensive High School, Sagamu both thanked the governor and his family for looking out for their success through the launching of the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Program, promising to continue to work harder academically.

The Head Teacher of African Church School, Sagamu, Mrs. Hannah Olaide Oredeko, who appreciated the governor and his family for the program, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the grants.

Also, the principal of Christ Apostolic Grammar School (Junior), Iperu, Mr Nofiu Momoh, who described the governor as a man with a human heart, charged the students to continue to work hard.

A friend of Gbemiga Abiodun, Feyisayo Oyefesobi, described Gbemiga as a good friend.

"It is good to be able to give back and keep his name shinning. The beneficiaries should work hard, focused be hardworking and maintain a good relationship with God," he added.

17/09/2023

What you need to know about MOWE-OFADA ROAD

1. The Mowe-Ofada Road is 8km in length.

2. The road originated from Lagos-Ibadan Express Road, adjacent the pedestrian bridge and ends at Ofada, Owode Junction.

3. The project was abandoned by the immediate past administration in the state. Regardless, the administration of HIS Excellency, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun (CON) inherited the bad state of the road and reawarded it for rehabilitation to solve the traffic challenges being faced by the road users in the Mowe-Ofada axis.

4. Moreso, Phase 1 of the project include repair of the existing defective binder course and laying of a new wearing course on the right-hand side from Mowe to Ofada.

5. The rehabilitation work had so far been completed to 4.5km of the 8km length. 500m length of the road was paved with the new wearing course in the last one week alone, and this speaks to the current pace of work. Relatively, the project is making significant progress.

6. However, in response to the debate that is currently ongoing on Twitter, the 4km mentioned as being motorable was not motorable before the intervention of this administration. It is part of 4.5km that had been completed by the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun (CON). Also referred to in the tweet are pictures of the road section at CH. 6+800, Ofada axis, where the rehabilitation work is yet to reach due to incessant raining, which has slowed down the pace of work at the moment as well as traffic management to ensure ease and safety of the road users.

7. Rest assured the Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun-led administration is sincerely doing everything possible to ensure that the project is completed in record time, while ensuring more significant progress is witnessed in the few days to come.

14/09/2023

Ijebu East Councillors Impeach Suspended Chairman, Wale Adedayo Over Funds Diversion, Mismanagement

Councillors of Ijebu East Local Government in Ogun State, on Thursday, impeached the suspended chairman of the council, Hon. Wale Adedayo, over allegations of financial misappropriation and diversion of funds.

Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Fasheyi Akindele, in a statement, said Adedayo was impeached after he appeared before the councillors, following an invitation extended to him over allegations of fund mismanagement

According to Akindele, after a series of invitations by the House, which were ignored in the past, Adedayo eventually appeared before the legislative council as the councillors continued their probe of the chairman.

"The suspended Chairman owned up before the full house of 11 councillors that he diverted federal allocations sent to the Council by the State Government and used them for purposes other than what the State Government approved.

"Adedayo also agreed that he spent the Council funds till August 2023, even when the budget was yet to be approved, whereas the laws only allow him to spend till March 2023.

"Adedayo also opened up that he used N5.2 million to produce 20 pieces of chairs and tables instead of the 290 chairs that the money was meant for as approved by the state government.

"On the issue of illegal levies and stickers to commercial transport operators in the Local government, Adedayo said he thought the House had passed the Bill to that effect, but the Leader of the House reminded him that a bill, if passed by the House, would have been jointly signed by the Leader of the House and the Council Chairman.

"That the chairman has run foul of the laws of the land, specifically the Ogun State Local Government Laws 2006 and committed serious impeachable offences was therefore established.


"After about three hours of deliberation, the impeachment of the Chairman was put to votes. Five councillors voted for his impeachment, four voted against, with one abstention

"Therefore, the Leader of the House pronounced Mr. Wale Adedayo impeached as the Chairman of Ijebu East LG," Akindele said.

13/09/2023

10/09/2023

DATKEM Plaza Is An Illegal Structure, Contravenes Ogun Physical Planning Laws

Ogun State Government on Sunday said DATKEM Plaza, Ijebu Ode is an illegal structure without an approved plan. The structure, the state government added, also contravened the state’s physical planning laws. The government, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Olayiwola Abiodun said the structure violated the building codes of the state with numerous defects.

He said several efforts made by the state government to halt further development on site were ignored by the developers. He said government officials requested the structural engineer in charge of the building to avail the state of the structural equilibrium of the building, a request that was ignored. The statement recalled the various incidences of building disasters across the country, adding that the Ogun State Government will not fold its arm and allow and such occurrence.

It noted that many of such disasters, such as fire outbreaks at Ikorodu, led to the loss of precious lives. According to the permanent secretary, what the government did in partially pulling down the defective building was to be proactive. Engr. Abiodun challenged the owners of the structure to produce evidence of government approval in their possession.

He said that for a commercial building of that status, there must be parking space to accommodate vehicular traffic within and outside the facility for workers and visitors. The provision of the law is for 45 to 50 per cent of available land for construction as a buildable area.

The permanent secretary added that the building lacked stage certification, which is usually issued at every stage of construction.

He said that owners were served the necessary notices, including abatement, contravention, stop work and demolition between May and October 2022, which were ignored.

According to the statement, DATKEM Enterprises Limited submitted application for an office building, located along Ibadan Road, Ijebu Ode in 2009 with registration number CB/05/299/2009.

“The proposal was for five (5) floors with airspace of 3 metres at the right, 5m at the left, 5metres at the rear and a setback of 32.5516 metres to the middle of Ijebu Ode/Ibadan road, Ijebu-Ode.

“The Zonal Town Planning Office observed during routine monitoring that the construction on site did not conform with the plan granted as there was a deviation from the airspaces and setback.

“In addition, the building had been modified and enlarged with an additional storey building at the back thereby becoming over density.

“In view of the above, the following actions were taken:

“Contravention Notice with Serial No. 0106983 was served on 24th May 2022.

“Stop Work Order with Serial No. 000623 was served on 24th May 2022.

“Another Stop Work Order with Serial No. 001065 was served on 22nd July 2022 when the first notice was ignored.

“Demolition Notice with Serial No. 0007549 was served on 11th October 2022. Notice to seal with Serial No. 000815 was served on 4th October 2022.

The statement noted further that despite all these notices, the developer was recalcitrant and continued with the construction work.

“This prompted the re-sealing of the site on 1st August, 2023. But the sealing did not stop the developer from further construction as work continued on the site.

“However, the developer wrote an appeal for unsealing, which was considered so as to evacuate the belongings in the premises. Thereafter, quit notice with Serial No. 0030750 was served on 31st August, 2023.

“In view of the above, since the developer had remained recalcitrant, the Zonal Town Planning Office’s recommendation for the demolition of the office building was upheld,” the statement added.

The state government reiterated its avowed commitment to ensure the safety of its citizens, adding that any defective buildings in any part of the state will be demolished to safeguard the lives of the people.

10/09/2023

Dear Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun, CON,

OPEN LETTER OF COMMENDATION

I would like to on behalf of the entire good people of Ijebu North Local Government extend my sincere gratitude to you for the remarkable projects that have been embarked upon in our local government in the last four(4) years and hundred (100) days that you have been in office as the executive governor of our dear gateway state.

The impact of those remarkable projects has been felt positively, and I am writing to express our gratitude for prioritizing the people of Ijebu North. The road constructions that are either ongoing or completed, including the Ilishan-Ago Iwoye Road which has drastically reduced the stress experienced by the motorists coming from Lagos and Abeokuta to Ijebu North. We are hoping to have the second lane done soonest sir! The Oru/Awa/Ilaporu road that crisscrosses the three communities of Ward 7 of Ijebu North Local Government has also positively impacted our socioeconomic life. Additionally, the late Senator Jubril Martins Kuye's house link road in Ago-Iwoye, Igan Road in Ago-Iwoye, and Molusi College Road in Ijebu Igbo have significantly improved our infrastructure. Recently, you approved three (3) additional roads for reconstruction and rehabilitation within our localities, most especially the long stretch town road from Ijesa Road through Ebumawe Palace to Itamerin, linking Oru town to Ijebu Igbo, terminating at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic. We are elated and grateful for this as work begins soonest on these roads. Thank you, sir!

It is commendable to note that these road constructions and rehabilitations have relieved our communities of the burden of commuting on bad roads; our people can relatively now move around comfortably and conduct their businesses with ease. The Oko-Owo Dapo empowerment program for our women, the construction and renovation of blocks of classrooms in different schools and Primary Healthcare Centers, and Agricultural Intervention Programs within our Local Government have significantly improved our quality of living. These projects have indeed brought relief and joy to members of our community.

We cannot thank you enough for your commitment and dedication to developing our local government. We hope that you will continue with this noble work, as there is more to be done. Your hard work and selflessness are greatly appreciated, and we hope that this letter adds to the numerous accolades that you have received.

Thank you for all that you have done and, we look forward to seeing more projects that will make life better for the people of Ijebu North.

As the Executive Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, I am grateful for your unwavering support of our administration in all areas. With your support, we have been able to achieve remarkable progress in different sectors of our administration.

We have constructed A-block of 2 classrooms with a toilet, store, and staff office at Nawairudeen Primary School, Ago-Iwoye, to significantly aid the provision of a safe and conducive learning environment for our children. The rehabilitation of the Ijebu North local government abattoir is another achievement, this was done to bring about a renewed sense of safety and hygiene in meat processing in the local government area.

We also have to our administration's credit, courtesy of your support, the construction of A-block of 20 open stalls at the Ojowo-Atikori market, with such a plan in the pipeline for other markets within the local government, to create a viable means of livelihood for traders in our localities.
Also, the conversion of A-block of 10 pit latrines at Obada market to a modern Water Closet System was done to help improve sanitation and hygiene in the market.

Furthermore, hosting of free summer coaching classes with the distribution of free school bags, textbooks, and writing materials has been a tremendous effort in promoting education within the local government area. We appreciate your support in making these possible.

To improve our local government staff efficiency, our administration has rehabilitated the local government's foremost administrative building and renamed it after the Late Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye to further expand their workspace. We have so many other buildings within the council secretariat re-roofed, rehabilitated, and painted. We have equally Revived the local government grader and graded many roads with it. To ease the revenue collection and others, Two(2) of the abandoned local government Hiace buses were revived and are currently in use. Also, the Ijebu North 600-seater Multi-purpose Hall Foundation has been done among other several projects we have embarked upon. Our effort in cubbing the insecurity that has greatly affected the economy of the local government, particularly in Ijebu Igbo and Ago-Iwoye was met with success, Glory be to God almighty and Your Excellency. Special appreciation to our traditional rulers and security operatives for the success recorded in this regard.

A lot we have done is so little to us as we have much more in plan for our people as dividends of democracy. We do hope to have more support from you, sir.

Your Excellency sir, I have another personal appeal, just like that of the Orimolusi stool you sanctioned that ended the 27 years interregnum. As a mark of reward for our loyalty and commitment to the administration sir, I humbly request that you bless us with the appointment of honourable Commissioner(s) among other positions during this your second term in office.

Once again, we express our gratitude to Your Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the immense support, and we look forward to your continued support in our drive for the development of Ijebu North Local Government.

Sincerely Yours,

Mr. 'Bolaji Odusanya,
Executive Chairman,
Ijebu North Local Government.

07/09/2023

Re: The wind that blew Dapo Abiodun’s rump
(Of Wale Adedayo and media bias against Governor Abiodun)

By Kayode Akinmade

BECAUSE of the privations to which Nigerians have been subjected over the years, there is a tendency in the land to assume the worst of leaders. Guilty or not, governors face the guillotine, condemned to hell by our elite commentariat. And that is why it is not surprising that in the latest scenario involving the recently suspended chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Hon. Wale Adedayo and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the allegation by the latter that the former had been stealing and/or diverting local government (LG) funds are typically being treated as gospel truth while the rebuttals by the Ogun State Government and the constitutional organ responsible for disbursing the funds, the Ogun State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), the chairmen of local councils and even the Federal Government are being shunned.
Some commentators are literally asking for the governor’s head on a charger, throwing rationality, the spirit of inquisitiveness, logic and fairness into the trashcan. Sadly, the piece, The wind that blew Dapo Abiodun’s rump, authored by the respected Sunday Tribune columnist, Dr. Festus Adedayo, falls into this category.

Essentially a rehash of the LG chairman’s claims (“Adedayo…alleged that this blind thievery began immediately Abiodun took over the reign of office in May, 2019, leading to “zero allocation” of funds to develop the councils,” etc), Dr. Adedayo’s piece deplores the alleged stealing of LG funds by governors, relying on a Premium Times report wherein the reporter was purportedly “told by sources among local government chairmen in Ogun State that monies enter council accounts in the morning, and they develop wings by evening.” This, Dr Adedayo asserts, “is a pattern adopted by many of the state governments.” Well, there is no thievery by Governor Abiodun in Ogun State. It is a terrible thing to hang an innocent person simply because of the office that he occupies. Just how can Governor Abiodun, who by law is not a signatory to the JAAC which disburses money to LGs, tamper with LG funds?

Because there is so much misconception about LG operations, media commentators often look at issues at face value and rush to judgment instead of doing a little investigation. The structure in LGs in Ogun State is not different from the one in other states. JAAC has its responsibilities as a constitutional provision, the organ that identifies and sorts out first line charges. It came about after long agitations by teachers and LG workers over the delay in the payment of their salaries and emoluments.

In the last 26 months that Wale Adedayo has been chairman, the records show that he attended JAAC meetings, where LG funds are disbursed after being received from the Federation Account, 15 times. His sudden claim of zero allocation to councils in Ogun State is therefore curious, to say the least. Records show that, like other LG chairmen, he has collected N3 million every month as imprest, while his council also shared from all the allocations given since 2019 when Governor Abiodun came on board, including the N5.2 billion allocation shared in August this year; the N4.4 billion shared in July, the 5.2bn shared in June and the N4.5 billion shared in May. So, where did he get his zero allocation from?

Last Friday, the Ogun State government established the fact that it had invested N1.8bn in executing projects in the councils. This was at a press conference addressed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tokunbo Talabi, and the Economic Adviser and Commissioner-designate, Mr Dapo Okubadejo. Indeed, as the government argued, if the LGs had not been getting their allocations since 2019, how then had they been paying teachers, healthcare workers, members of traditional councils, pensioners and local government and security votes for the LG chairmen?

Rather than stealing the LG funds, the state government has actually been augmenting their allocations to enable them meet their obligations. It is a fact that in 2020, N43.121 billion was budgeted for first line charges, while N34.750 billion was received from the federation account for the 20 LGs, leaving a deficit of N6.619 billion. The total allocation released for the LGs in 2021 was N38.723 billion, while payment for first line charges was put at N47.845 billion. In 2022, the LGs got N48.074 billion from the Federation Account, whereas the actual amount needed to pay first line charges was N54.182 billion. As 2023 dawned, therefore, there was a deficit of almost N17.4 billion, paid for by the state government. It is not for nothing that members of the Ogun JAAC debunked Wale Adedayo’s slanderous and libelous proclamations, confirming that there were instances when the state government had to augment shortfalls to allow all the LGs to take care of all their first-line charges. For a chairman in office for more than two years to suddenly claim zero allocation to Ogun councils smacks of pure mischief. This is the same person who was collecting N3 million every month for imprest. He lied recklessly and shamelessly just to create mischief and stoke crisis in the state.

For those who do not know, money is paid directly to LG accounts and like governors, chairmen as CEOs of LGs do not issue cheques but only give approvals. Governor Abiodun is not a signatory to the LG accounts. LG funds are paid directly to their accounts, from which the civil servants there disburse the money to the beneficiaries (emoluments, salaries). On the allegation of money disappearing, we need to ask questions, as no state government can take money from JAAC. During the COVID-19 crisis, most of the LGs did not pay PAYEE tax because of the shortfall in federal allocations. After the crisis, the Ogun State government then had to deduct this tax. But before then, the money had to get to their accounts first, and the civil servants in charge had to indicate the months for which the payee deductions were being made, because the law is that every taxable adult must pay tax. Strangely, these payee deductions were characterized as money disappearing from LG accounts, and our columnists did not even bother to investigate the matter properly. Rather, they resorted to character assassination just because, in the face of incontrovertible evidence, Wale Adedayo had said, “I know for a fact that my Ijebu East Local Government is not owing Abeokuta one naira!” Even Lucifer does not lie in this manner.

Yes, we all know that because of the suffering in the land, people are not happy with governors. However, we still cannot generalize. It is unfair to impugn the integrity and image of Governor Abiodun just because he is governor. He also deserves fair hearing.

Again, a lot of negativity has been ascribed to the Ogun LG chairmen’s meeting with Governor Abiodun, but it is important to make the following clarifications. First, the chairmen had met with the Ogun State SSG, Mr. Joseph Talabi, requesting a meeting with the governor to tender an apology over Adedayo’s fabrications, because they knew the facts of the case. During the meeting with the SSG, they, however, raised the issue of the Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Local Government Affairs who had issued a statement calling on them to utilise the funds released to their various councils judiciously, whereas the money was meant for the payment of salaries. The statement led to people harassing them in their LGs. The SSG apologized, acknowledging that the statement was misleading. Still, he pointed out that it was not an excuse for Wale Adedayo to fabricate falsehood against the governor. The chairmen apologized and said they needed to meet the governor. Adedayo was in both meetings, and the act of prostrating to the governor was spontaneous; he never demanded for it. It is therefore cheeky to call him an emperor.

Since Governor Abiodun came on board, Ogun State has been peaceful and calm. Unlike in the past, there have been no violence or political assassinations. Some people must not be allowed to throw the state into crisis.
The media should be interrogating, not venerating him.