The Ogun State government on Saturday, clarified that its officials’ recent invitation to the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was not related to a petition filed by Wale Adedayo, the former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government.
Adedayo was removed from office due to allegations of financial mismanagement.
The government emphasised that the EFCC’s invitation was not connected to any claims of local government fund diversion. This clarification was issued in a statement by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the State Governor.
Akinmade remarked, “The EFCC, being a responsible body, would have provided them with the petition if it were truly the basis for their invitation.”
He further noted, “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.”
The statement continued, “While we continue to respect media organisations as partners in progress, we categorically state that the report in question is nothing but fake news and should be disregarded.”
The statement also affirmed that Ogun State officials, like those from other states, are not exempt from invitations by anti-graft agencies if clarification is needed. The EFCC has confirmed that the officials attended the meeting as law-abiding citizens and have returned to their duties. The government dismissed any suggestion that the invitation was due to Adedayo’s petition as a complete fabrication.
Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, confirmed that the invitation was for a discussion related to an ongoing investigation.
He added, “I just called our Ibadan Zonal office and it was confirmed that some officials of the state government were invited for a chat in respect of an ongoing investigation and they have since returned to their state. Nobody was also detained.”
In contrast, Adedayo asserted that the invitation was indeed related to his petition concerning allegations of approximately N10.8 billion in diverted funds meant for local government development.
Adedayo stated, “Yes, I heard about it on Tuesday. I am sure it is about the petition I sent to the EFCC. Lies can travel a thousand miles, but the truth will catch up with them within a few seconds.”
