How Governor Abiodun diverted Ogun LGs’ ₦‎10.8bn funds, council boss reveals

Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area in Ogun State, has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting the federal allocation due to the state’s local governments for the past two years.

Adedayo has also alleged that over N10.8 billion from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme was diverted by the governor. He stated that the constitutional provision of 10% of the state’s internally generated revenue for the local governments has not been honored since Abiodun took office.

In a letter addressed to former Governor Olusegun Osoba, Adedayo claimed that the diversion of funds played a role in the All Progressives Congress losing some council seats during the last general election. He urged Osoba to intervene and persuade Governor Abiodun to ensure that the statutory federal allocation reaches each of the local governments.

Adedayo mentioned that the practice of denying local governments their federal allocations began during the administration of former Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun. He highlighted the negative consequences of withholding federal allocations from local government councils, including the inability to deliver essential services and the negative impact on elections.

He also revealed that funds meant to be released to local governments as palliatives from the federal government, such as the SURE-P funds, were not disbursed to the intended recipients. Adedayo expressed concerns about the misuse of ecological funds and other resources as well.

He concluded by noting that the lack of funds has hampered the ability of local governments to provide basic services to their communities, leading to deteriorating infrastructure and living conditions. Adedayo has also filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting an investigation into the allegations against Governor Abiodun.