On Saturday, the Ogun State government clarified that the recent invitation of its officials to the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was not related to a petition allegedly filed by Wale Adedayo, a former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government who was removed from office due to allegations of financial misappropriation.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the State Governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the officials were not summoned over any purported diversion of local government funds, contrary to certain media reports.
Akinmade emphasized that no petition from Adedayo was presented to the government officials by the EFCC, indicating that the nature of the invitation was not based on such claims.
The statement further dismissed the allegations by stating, “Ordinarily, there would be no reason to respond to the antics of a known provocateur and rabble-rouser, who has made salacious, evidence-free allegations against Governor Dapo Abiodun and his administration, with the intent to sow discord among the people and destabilize Ogun State.”
While acknowledging the role of media organizations as partners in progress, the government categorically declared the report as fake news that should be ignored.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the situation in a conversation with a correspondent, stating that the state government officials had cooperated with the invitation and had since returned to their regular duties.
Oyewale clarified, “I just confirmed that some officials of the state government were invited for discussions regarding an ongoing investigation and they have already returned. No one was detained.”
On the other hand, Adedayo asserted that the EFCC invitation was linked to his petition alleging the diversion of approximately N10.8 billion intended for the development of the local governments.
Reacting to the situation, he mentioned, “Yes, I was aware of it on Tuesday. It is likely related to the petition I submitted to the EFCC. Lies may spread far, but the truth will eventually prevail.”