Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State is facing allegations from Senator Ayo Akinyelure, who represents Ondo Central. Akinyelure claims that some aides of the governor are exploiting Akeredolu’s ill health to sell state assets unlawfully. Specifically, he accused Pastor Akinola Olotu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, of colluding with others to sell the Ondo State chocolate factory, valued between N9 billion and N15 billion, for a mere N10 million.
In a statement to journalists in Abuja, Akinyelure emphasized the importance of his role as a lawmaker, which he believes obligates him to protect the interests of the people of Ondo State. He recounted that the chocolate factory was established during the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko as part of a broader industrialization initiative. The factory was created through a partnership with American chocolate industrialist Eric Reid of Spangvola Chocolatier, aimed at converting dried cocoa beans from the state into chocolate and cocoa butter, thereby enhancing the value of Nigeria’s cocoa production for export.
Akinyelure noted that the necessary machinery for the factory’s operation was imported and installed, leading to the first batch of chocolate production in 2015, shortly before the end of Mimiko’s administration. To ensure a consistent supply of cocoa beans, the Oda Cocoa Plantation, spanning over 1,744 hectares, was revitalized, benefiting more than 250 cocoa farmers who increased production to support the factory.
The senator expressed concern that the individuals behind the alleged sale plan to misrepresent the factory as non-operational, disregarding the significant investment of over N9 billion made by the state government. He accused them of attempting to execute their plans during the governor’s period of ill health. Akinyelure stated, “Some cronies of the Government of Ondo State, including the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, have arranged to sell the factory at a giveaway price, undermining the interests of the people of Ondo State and particularly Idanre Local Government. This is being done without adhering to the due process outlined in the Public Enterprise (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act of 1999, which has sparked public outcry against the sale of state property intended to generate employment for the community now and in the future.”
In response to these allegations, Olotu denied any wrongdoing, asserting that proper procedures were followed in the sale of the chocolate factory. He questioned Akinyelure’s knowledge of the factory’s current status and explained that while the factory was established before the current administration, it had not been operational. Olotu stated that the governor had taken steps to improve the factory’s functionality, including consulting with a Caribbean expert based in America. However, the COVID-19 pandemic hindered further progress.
Olotu insisted that the sale of the factory was publicly announced for bidders, expressing surprise at the accusations of secretly attempting to sell a government asset. He maintained that due process was adhered to throughout the sale process.
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