The recent controversy in Ogun State, triggered by Ijebu East Local Government Chairman, Wale Adedayo’s accusations that Governor Dapo Abiodun diverted local government funds, has ignited significant public debate. However, a closer examination reveals that the allegations may be unfounded and aimed at undermining the state government.

Adedayo’s claims, which resonated initially with the public due to a history of state governments restricting local government autonomy, quickly lost credibility. His colleagues across other local government areas promptly refuted the accusations, even apologizing to the governor for the “embarrassment” Adedayo’s claims caused. Additionally, the Ogun State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), responsible for distributing local government funds, also debunked the allegations, affirming that allocations had been properly disbursed. The state government went further to release financial records showing that rather than withholding funds, it had supplemented allocations, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis when federal funding fell short.

Further complicating Adedayo’s stance, available records show that local government funds were indeed distributed monthly, with clear allocations for May through August 2023, ranging from N4.4 billion to N5.1 billion. In these years, the state government stepped in with additional financial support to cover shortfalls, ensuring that essential services like education, healthcare, and local council payroll were consistently maintained.

While Adedayo has attempted to cast himself as a whistleblower and public hero, his recent remarks, which disparaged the governor and hinted at unrest, appear to aim at destabilizing the state rather than fostering transparency. This tactic seems to align with his history of provocative actions, often targeting notable state figures without substantiating his claims. Notably, Adedayo attended JAAC meetings, where funds were regularly disbursed, raising questions about why he remained silent for over two years before making his accusations.

The breakdown of financial records for 2020 through 2022 further reveals a pattern of state support for local government obligations. For instance, in 2020, Ogun’s local governments received N34.75 billion from the Federation Account, short of the N43.12 billion required for essential obligations. The state government covered the shortfall, a trend that continued through 2021 and 2022 as first-line charges exceeded allocations. These interventions, far from indicating a diversion of funds, reflect the governor’s commitment to ensuring local government stability amidst financial challenges.

Moreover, Adedayo’s accusation that Governor Abiodun personally redirected local government funds is at odds with the fact that the governor is not a signatory to these accounts, a procedural safeguard against potential misuse. Further, deductions during the COVID-19 period to cover PAYEE taxes are well-documented and do not equate to diversion.

In the end, the facts cast Adedayo’s claims as a calculated move to unsettle the state rather than a genuine attempt to protect local government resources. With records showing consistent allocation and state augmentation of funds, his allegations lack substance, and his attempts to sow discord may necessitate legal action to prevent unwarranted instability in Ogun State.