The Chief Consultant on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, has dismissed the allegations of diversion of local government allocations against the governor by Mr. Wale Adedayo as politically motivated. In an interview on Raypower FM programme, Facts File, Akinmade stated that Governor Abiodun has been augmenting several shortfalls in allocations to local governments from the Federation Account.
Akinmade emphasized that the claims made by Adedayo are false and are merely an attempt to tarnish the governor’s image for parochial political motives. He pointed out that the recent amendment to the laws on allocations to the third tier of government make it practically inaccessible for any state governor to interfere with local government allocations.
According to Akinmade, a special committee called the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) is responsible for deciding on the sharing formula of allocations, without any interference from the governor. The committee comprises all 20 Local Government Chairmen, members of NULGE, NUT, and Traditional Institutions, among others.
Akinmade provided a detailed breakdown of the allocations to local governments since Governor Dapo Abiodun assumed office in 2019. He outlined the series of interventions made by the governor to address shortfalls caused by a reduction in federal allocations, thus refuting Adedayo’s claim of diversion.
He revealed that between 2019 and 2022, Governor Dapo Abiodun had to augment the shortfall in local government allocations with a total of N17 billion. Akinmade cited examples of specific months where the governor had to make up for the discrepancies in allocations to ensure that workers in the local governments received their salaries regularly.
Akinmade also addressed the possibility of a communication gap between Governor Abiodun and Wale Adedayo, which could have influenced Adedayo’s actions. He clarified that Adedayo had unrestricted access to the governor based on their long-standing relationship. He further highlighted Adedayo’s involvement in the JAAC meetings, asserting that he cannot claim ignorance of the allocation distribution process as he actively participated in it.
Akinmade emphasized Adedayo’s impeachment as the Chairman of the Council due to his inability to account for funds allocated for a project. He challenged Adedayo to provide evidence to support his false allegation against Governor Abiodun, emphasizing that as a journalist, Adedayo should understand the need to substantiate claims.
Akinmade concluded by stating that if Adedayo fails to provide evidence and prove his allegations against Governor Abiodun, he should be prepared to face the consequences.
