The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, has described the allegations of financial impropriety levelled against him as not only baseless but also politically motivated.
Olatunji, in a statement made available to the newsmen on Monday submitted all the issues raised in the said petition to the Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission, ( EFCC) are laughable as they could not be substantiated with facts and figures.
He submitted that he has not been indicted by the EFCC for any known financial offence(s) as alleged in the petition.
According to him, there is no record of financial misconduct under my watch as all the actions of the council are guided by due process, transparency and existing financial regulations.
He submitted that the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission extended to his Chief of Staff does not amount to guilt, stressing that it was a normal exercise for public office holders across the country.
“I have always maintained that public officers must be open to scrutiny. Honouring an invitation or inquiry is part of civic responsibility and not an admission of wrongdoing.
“It is only honorable for those who alleged to provide proof to substantiate their claim. After all, he who alleges must prove, so we’re challenging them to provide evidence to substantiate their claim.
” It is unfortunate that these irrelevant political actors in Oluyole have taken their desperation to this despicable level of fabricating lies arbitrarily and peddling falsehood without shame.
“We know these political elements, this is all about their desperation for the 2027 electoral cycle and we well understand what this is all about. We’re waiting for them,” Olatunji stated.
He added that he has consistently cooperated and maintained a robust relationship with all relevant authorities whenever required as development partners.
On alleged mismanagement of internally generated revenue
Olatunji described the allegation of mismanagement of internally generated revenue as “deliberately misleading for political gains,” explaining that the local government’s IGR is managed through verifiable channels with regular reconciliation involving finance department and relevant oversight bodies.
According to him, records of IGR inflows and expenditure are available and have never been queried by statutory auditors.
On diversion of public funds and procurement violations, the chairman debunked any diversion of public funds or breach of procurement laws, noting that all contracts and purchases carried out by the council followed laid down procurement guidelines.
“All projects executed within the period under review were approved, documented and tied to budgetary provisions.
“There is no phantom project or inflated contract anywhere in Oluyole Local Government and this was further established by the state house of assembly committee on local government and chieftaincy matters which periodically carries out oversight on local government administration in the state,” he said.
Reacting to claims of suspicious land transactions and payments into the account of his Chief of Staff, Olatunji said the allegation was spurious and entirely false.
“There is no land transaction approved by the local government that involved personal accounts.
Any land related matter within the council followed statutory processes and payments, where applicable, were made into government designated accounts,” he stated.
The chairman explained that security spending became necessary in response to genuine security challenges within the local government, stressing that such expenditure was neither excessive nor arbitrary.
While maintaining his administration’s zero tolerance for crime and criminality, he explained that the robustness and collectiveness of purpose of Oluyole security Council has culminated into the relative peace and tranquility in the council area under his watch.
“Every kobo spent on security was to protect lives, public facilities and residents.
These expenditures were justified, approved and in line with prevailing realities on ground,” he explained.
Olatunji clarified that staff palliatives were welfare driven interventions meant to cushion the effects of economic hardship and did not violate any directive of the state government.
He wondered what interest proponents of the allegations were pursuing other than to discredit the giant strides made by his administration which have soared his political reputation ahead of 2027.
“The palliatives were not a replacement for salaries or allowances but complementary support approved through proper administrative channels,” he added.
On alleged unapproved spending on NULGE Day celebration
He described the allegation as a misrepresentation, noting that workers’ day or union related activities supported by the council were modest, approved and aimed at fostering industrial harmony.
“There was no reckless or illegal spending. Workers’ welfare remains a priority and all engagements with unions are transparent,” he said.
The chairman stated that petitions are not evidence of wrongdoing, pointing out that none of the previous petitions against him resulted in any adverse finding.
“These petitions are authored by known political actors in Oluyole local government who have failed to come to terms with the outcome of internal party processes and governance reforms in the council and have seen him as their sole enemy ahead of 2027,” he said.
Olatunji categorically denied ever making statements suggesting immunity from investigation, describing the claim as “a blatant lie invented to paint a picture of arrogance and impunity.”
“I respect institutions and I respect the rule of law. I have never claimed to be above scrutiny,” he stated.
He however cautioned journalists abstain from commercial journalism by being professional enough to very claims before news publication.
He explained that his alleged unavailability was due to his very tight schedules and official engagements saying his unavailability was not an attempt to evade questions, adding that his administration remains evidently open to media collaborations.
“I believe in engaging the public through verified facts, not responding hurriedly to sensational claims by media practitioners who are willing political tools,” he said.
The council chairman urged residents of Oluyole Local Government to remain calm and not be misled by what he termed orchestrated attacks driven by political motives by known actors in the council.
“My focus remains service delivery, grassroots development and upholding the trust reposed in me by the people. No amount of blackmail will derail that commitment,” Olatunji concluded
