In a startling revelation, Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, has come forward with serious allegations against Governor Dapo Abiodun. Adedayo alleges that the Governor has been diverting the statutory Federal Allocation that is rightfully due to the local governments of Ogun State over the last two years.
This accusation comes to light through a letter written by Adedayo to former Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba on Sunday. The letter, obtained by our correspondent, outlines a series of claims, including the diversion of over N10.8 billion from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) by the current governor.
Key among Adedayo’s allegations is the non-disbursement of the constitutionally mandated 10% of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the local governments. This financial support, as stipulated in the constitution, has reportedly not been granted to the local governments since Governor Abiodun assumed office.
The impact of these alleged diversions has not only led to financial strain on the local governments but has also been pointed to as a contributing factor to the loss of some councils by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last general election. Adedayo emphasizes that the diversion of funds has directly affected the ability of local governments to carry out essential services and projects.
A key portion of the letter implores former Governor Olusegun Osoba to intervene and advocate for the rightful allocation of Federal funds to each local council, in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Adedayo asserts that this deviation from proper funding has far-reaching consequences, as evidenced by the unfavorable election outcomes in the recent polls.
He writes, “The negative consequences of Zero Federal Allocations to Local Government Councils in Ogun State should be clear for all to see. We should not have lost the last elections in all the places we did during the Governorship and House of Assembly polls if our local governments were being funded as provided for in the 1999 Constitution.”
Adedayo also raises concerns about previous relief efforts, such as the SURE-P funds initiated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He alleges that the 20 local governments in Ogun State did not receive any of the funds allocated for their benefit. Efforts to engage the Commissioner for Finance on this matter have reportedly been met with claims of outstanding debts from the local governments.
The allegations outlined in Adedayo’s letter have gained traction and led to further actions. It has been reported that the Chairman has filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the institution to investigate these claims against Governor Dapo Abiodun.
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