Wale Adedayo, the suspended Chairman of the Ijebu-East Local Government Area in Ogun State, Nigeria, has spoken out about allegations of fund diversion against the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and a video showing some council chairmen prostrating before the governor. Adedayo believes that the prostration was unnecessary, and he criticized it as an act of subservience.
In the interview, Adedayo discusses the state of local government funding in Ogun State, emphasizing that local governments should have the autonomy to manage their finances and responsibilities. He argues that the state government’s control of local government funds has hampered their ability to carry out essential functions, such as infrastructure development and service delivery.
Adedayo also alleges that the governor’s administration has marginalized local governments and withheld funds, leading to their inability to perform their duties effectively. He further claims that local government chairmen were pressured into apologizing to the governor for accusing him of diverting local government funds.
Regarding his suspension by the councillors, Adedayo insists that due process was not followed and plans to challenge it in court. He also mentions threats to his life and his intention to report them to the Department of State Services (DSS).
In conclusion, Adedayo emphasizes the importance of strengthening local government administration, as it plays a vital role in grassroots development and governance. He calls for accountability and transparency in the use of local government funds to better serve the communities they represent.