Oyo Assembly Launches Probe into Local Government Chairmen During Ajimobi Tenure

Oyo State House of Assembly will ensure the judicious use of public funds to appropriate sectors and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the dividends of democracy spread across the State.

This was made known by the Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi while reacting to the report of an Ad – Hoc Committee Constituted in the 9th Assembly to investigate the Account of stewardship of Chairmen of Local Government Areas and Local Development Areas between May, 2018 to June 2019.

He added that the 10th Assembly in Oyo State will intensify efforts that will pave ways for the development already put in place by the Present Administration under the Omituntun 2.0 initiatives and bring meaningful life styles to the downtrodden and the entire citizenry of the State.

Presenting the report, the Lawmaker representing Iseyin / Itesiwaju State Contituency, and Vice Chairman of the Ad – Hoc Committee Hon. Bamidele Adeola stated that the task given to the committee members was basically to investigate the activities of the Chairmen that were in the office between the year 2015 and 2018. According to him, the investigation was carried out with the fear of God.

He noted that “The Ad – Hoc Committee conducted the investigation between Tuesday, 25th February, to Monday, 16th March, 2020 via the spot assessment visit to various Local Government Areas and Local Council Developments Areas with a view to inspecting some of the physical projects executed within the period under review”.

He stated further “The rationale behind the investigation was to assess the use of Local Government Funds on some of the projects executed and the economic impact of those projects on communities at Local Government levels”.

Hon. Adeola , who revealed that the report should have been presented in the 9th Assembly but was delayed due to some of the activities of the Assembly. Explained that “The 10th Assembly pursuant to Order, X11 Rule 95 of the Standing Rules of the Oyo State House of Assembly delved into the records of report of the 9th Assembly on the report of the Ad – Hoc Committee that investigated the Accounts of Stewardship and activities of the Chairmen of LGAs and LCDAs between 2018 and June, 2019 and resolved to present the report that was not determined before the expiration of the 9th Assembly”

In the report, the Lawmaker confirmed that some of the projects inspected lack economic value and not impactful on the residents of the Communities. “for example a Television viewing Centre was renovated in Irawo – Ile, a remote area in Atisbo Local Government worth #9.6 million without chairs and other facilities in the Hall for the Local Government to generate Revenue. The assessment of the project revealed that the community did not need such project. “He added.

The report stated further that some Local Government Areas and LCDAs spent from their stabilisation funds without seeking approval, as it was revealed that some of them used the fund between April and May 201 after March 9th Governorship election in the State .

As part of recommendation for approval , the Ad – Hoc Committee however urged the House to ensure that the concerned LGAs and LCDAs that spent stabilisation funds without approval and found culpable be sanctioned accordingly by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.