Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, has been accused by the Chairman of the Ijebu East Local Government Area, Wale Adedayo, of diverting two years’ worth of statutory Federal Allocation due to the state’s local governments. The accusation also includes the alleged diversion of over N10.8 billion from the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
Adedayo claims that the local governments have not received the constitutionally mandated 10% of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) since Abiodun took office, which has adversely affected the ability of local governments to function and provide essential services. He points out that this financial constraint played a role in the loss of All Progressives Congress (APC) council seats in the last general election.
These allegations were outlined in a letter written by Adedayo to former Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba and were reported by The Punch. Adedayo asserts that the practice of denying local governments their Federal Allocations began during the administration of former Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
In his letter, Adedayo calls for urgent intervention to ensure that the Federal Allocations to local governments in Ogun State are disbursed as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution. He laments the lack of Federal Allocation to local governments since 2021 and the withholding of the constitutionally mandated portion of IGR to local governments.
He highlights the consequences of this financial situation, particularly in terms of local elections and the inability of local governments to provide essential services. Adedayo also cites instances where funds allocated to local governments, such as Ecological funds and SURE-P, have allegedly been misused or unaccounted for.
Adedayo further reveals that he has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate these allegations against the governor. However, Governor Abiodun’s camp had not responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.
It’s important to note that these allegations are claims made by the Local Government Chairman and are subject to investigation and verification by relevant authorities.
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