The local government account in Ondo state has reportedly been frozen by the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. According to The Nation, this development has led to tension among the newly appointed caretaker chairmen in the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The acting governor has also instructed the newly created LCDA not to open new accounts.
A letter addressed to the local council stated, “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency, the acting governor of Ondo state, has directed that all spending/expenditure from the local government account should be suspended. No signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive. Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”
Confirming the report anonymously, one of the caretaker chairmen expressed concern about the move. He mentioned that Aiyedatiwa took this step to assert authority in alignment with his vision and to address concerns of fund diversion in the local government.
In addition to freezing the local councils’ account, Aiyedatiwa has delegated the responsibility of preparing and signing his official engagements to the deputy chief of staff, Omojuwa Olusegun. A letter signed by Omojuwa and addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries stated, “The acting governor of Ondo state, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has directed me to inform all Members of the State Executive Council and top Government functionaries that the deputy chief of staff to the governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being. The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”
