Wale Adedayo, Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government in Ogun State, has accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting federal allocations and funds intended for local governments.
Adedayo alleges that over N10.8 billion of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme was also misused by the governor. The chairman asserts that local governments have been denied their rightful allocations, leading to negative consequences such as electoral losses.
Adedayo seeks the intervention of former Governor Olusegun Osoba to rectify the situation and ensure funds reach local governments as mandated by the Constitution. He emphasized that this issue is not recent, but a trend that began during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
In a letter addressed to Chief Olusegun Osoba, Adedayo expresses the urgency of the matter and the impact it has had on local government operations. He emphasizes that the lack of funds has hindered the ability of local governments to fulfill their responsibilities, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and essential services.
Adedayo further highlights instances where federal funds, such as the SURE-P funds, were not allocated to local governments as intended. He points out that the withheld funds have affected the livelihoods of citizens who rely on improved infrastructure and basic services provided by local governments.
The chairman’s appeal to former Governor Osoba is rooted in his belief that Osoba’s influence and stature can potentially lead to a resolution of the issue. Adedayo contends that the diversion of funds has led to challenges in meeting citizens’ needs and has negatively impacted the perception of local government administrations.
In his plea, Adedayo underscores the critical role that local governments play in addressing the needs of their communities. He highlights key areas such as road infrastructure, water supply, healthcare facilities, and education that have suffered due to the lack of allocated funds.
The chairman’s letter portrays a sense of frustration and concern for the state of local governments in Ogun State. It paints a picture of unfulfilled promises, financial mismanagement, and the resulting hardships faced by citizens who depend on their local governments for essential services.
Adedayo’s letter to Chief Olusegun Osoba serves as a call for accountability, transparency, and the restoration of funds to local governments to enable them to effectively serve their communities and contribute to the overall development of the state.
