The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained the suspended Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government Area, Wale Adedayo, who accused Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting statutory Federal Allocation due to the state’s local governments in the last two years. Despite his arrival at the DSS facility following an invitation, the DSS has not yet interrogated him. Additionally, Governor Abiodun visited Adedayo in DSS custody.
The situation arises from Adedayo’s allegations of fund mismanagement and diversion of local government funds by the governor, which he detailed in a letter to elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba and in a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Adedayo’s allegations include claims that Governor Abiodun withheld the statutory Federal Allocation due to the state’s local governments for the past two years, depriving them of essential funds for development and services. He also accused the governor of denying local government chairmen access to the Ecological Fund and other entitlements.
Following Adedayo’s allegations, the Ogun State House of Assembly summoned the state Accountant General and members of the State Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) to explain how local government funds have been expended in the state.
Meanwhile, journalists were barred from covering the probe of the alleged diversion of local government funds at the Ogun State House of Assembly. Security operatives at the Assembly gate prevented journalists from entering the complex, citing orders from higher authorities.
The situation in Ogun State highlights the tension and controversy surrounding the allegations of fund mismanagement and the subsequent investigations. The detention of Adedayo by the DSS, coupled with the restricted media access to the Assembly proceedings, adds to the complexity of the situation, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.