Fresh Trouble in Ogun State as Councilors Suspend Local Government Chairman Amidst Allegations again APC Governor.
Ogun State is facing a new wave of turmoil as councilors take the drastic step of suspending Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government Area. The move comes after Adedayo made allegations against Governor Dapo Abiodun, accusing him of diverting funds intended for local councils.
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Reports indicate that armed policemen and thugs staged an invasion at the council secretariat in Ogbere on Thursday morning, as part of a plot to oust the embattled chairman. This dramatic development follows Adedayo’s letter to former Governor Segun Osoba and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in which he accused Governor Abiodun of financial misconduct.
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Governor Abiodun has vehemently denied these allegations, maintaining that his administration consistently provides additional funds to local governments to fulfill their financial obligations. In an unexpected twist, all elected Council chairmen, led by Hon Babatunde Emilola-Gazal, prostrated and appealed for Governor Abiodun’s forgiveness. A viral video of this act generated criticism on social media, intensifying pressure on the governor.
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During a reconciliation meeting attended by Adedayo, where a truce was seemingly reached, the situation took a surprising turn. On Thursday morning, councilors initiated efforts to remove Adedayo from his position. Political thugs were reportedly enlisted to aid in this endeavor, raising concerns about the use of force.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Adedayo was also summoned by the Department of State Services (DSS) for his allegations against the governor. Adedayo confirmed the alleged invasion of the council secretariat in a Facebook post, expressing his dedication to his cause despite the challenges.
In a recent development, the Legislative Council of the Local Government announced Adedayo’s suspension for three months. The suspension, based on allegations of maladministration and financial mismanagement, was supported by seven councilors. Fifteen specific allegations were cited against the chairman. The suspended chairman has been directed to appear before the Legislative Council on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
During the suspension, Vice Chairman will act as the chairman as per the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The council’s treasurer is also expected to provide financial statements and relevant documents from the past two years to aid investigations.
The resolutions regarding Adedayo’s suspension and the investigation have been forwarded to the Governor of Ogun State and the Ogun State House of Assembly. Adedayo’s response to these developments is yet to be received.
This recent series of events underscores the tensions and power struggles within Ogun State, as allegations of financial wrongdoing and political maneuvering continue to shape the landscape. The outcome of these investigations and the subsequent actions taken will undoubtedly have significant implications for the state’s political climate.
