Ogun Assembly probes local govt over alleged financial misconduct

The Ogun State House of Assembly has summoned key officials of Odogbolu Local Government to report for questioning over alleged financial impropriety.

Those invited include the Council Chairman, Tunde Diya; Head of Local Government Administration, HOLGA; Victor Awobotu, the Council Treasurer, Stephen Adesanya and Engineer Yusuff Bamidele,

This move follows a damning report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which uncovered several discrepancies in the council’s financial records and project implementations.

Led by Chairman Hon. Jemili Akingbade, the committee discovered spending outside the approved budget, instances of spending without necessary approval from the Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC), project inflation, and unethical disbursement of funds through the Director of Works. These findings raise serious questions about financial management and accountability within the local government.

According to Hon. Akingbade, “We’ve identified spending outside the approved budget… Furthermore, there are instances of spending without the necessary approval from the F&GPC.”

The committee’s report also revealed that costs seemed artificially inflated and funds were disbursed unethically.

The Ogun State House of Assembly has taken a firm stance, emphasizing that public funds must be used judiciously and for intended purposes.

“We’re not here to witch-hunt anyone,” Hon. Akingbade stressed, “but we must ensure that public funds are used judiciously and for the intended purposes.”

Other members of the committee include Hon. Awolaja Dickson, Hon. Sheriff Yussuf, Hon. Adeleye Lukman, Hon. Damilola Kayode, Hon. Sobukonla Kunle, Hon. Haruna Egungbohun, Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju, Hon. Fatiu Folawewo, and Bar. Seun Adesanya.

This development is a clear indication that the Ogun State House of Assembly is committed to upholding good governance and will not tolerate financial impropriety.

The summoned officials are expected to report for questioning to provide explanations for the alleged financial misconduct.