Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has responded to recent allegations by Wale Adedayo, the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, regarding the allocation of funds to local governments within the state. Adedayo had claimed that no revenue had been allocated to local governments since 2021, which hindered their ability to carry out essential projects.

Governor Abiodun, countering these accusations, revealed that his administration had consistently supplemented the funds allocated to local governments from the Federation Account. He emphasized the necessity of these supplements to enable local governments to fulfill their obligations effectively.

The exchange between Abiodun and Adedayo stemmed from the latter’s plea to former governor Chief Olusegun Osoba for intervention. Adedayo urged Governor Abiodun to uphold the constitutional provision of allowing the statutory Federal Allocation to reach each local government as dictated by the 1999 Constitution.

Adedayo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aligned with the state’s leadership, took his concerns a step further by submitting petitions to both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). In these petitions, he requested an investigation into Governor Abiodun’s alleged diversion of local government funds.

Governor Abiodun, through his Chief Press Secretary Lekan Adeniran, issued a statement asserting his commitment to transparent governance. He questioned the notion that supplementing funds to meet local government obligations amounted to misappropriation. He clarified that funds designated for state local governments are managed by the constitutionally mandated Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC). This committee ensures the proper allocation of resources to local governments, contributing to their optimal performance.

Governor Abiodun assured that all concerns and allegations would be thoroughly examined in due course. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are looking to find common ground and uphold the principles of effective and accountable governance.