The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has questioned the Ogun State Accountant General, Mr. Tunde Aregbesola, and several other top officials in connection with an investigation into the alleged diversion of local government funds. The interrogation took place at the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal office on Tuesday.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development during a phone interview on Wednesday. He disclosed that the officials were invited for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation but were not detained and have since returned to the state.
While Oyewale did not reveal the specific identities of the officials or the details of the investigation, sources close to the matter indicated that the questioning is linked to a petition filed by Wale Adedayo, the former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government. In his petition, Adedayo accused Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting approximately N10.8 billion intended for the state’s 20 local government areas.
The petition, originally sent as a private letter to former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, was leaked to the media and has since become a topic of public debate. The Ogun State government has denied the allegations, asserting that it has, in fact, been augmenting the monthly federal allocations to local governments to ensure they meet financial obligations such as salary payments.
Following his accusations, Adedayo was impeached and is currently facing trial for allegedly making false allegations and defaming Governor Abiodun’s character.
Adedayo, when contacted, confirmed that he was aware of the EFCC’s recent actions and expressed confidence that the truth would eventually come to light. He mentioned hearing that the Accountant General was granted administrative bail to return with documents that could potentially clear him of the allegations.
This investigation continues to unfold, highlighting significant tensions between the state government and local officials over the management of funds intended for local government development.
