Fresh allegations of financial misconduct have deepened concerns over the operations of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), amid claims of prolonged inactivity, internal leadership crisis, and failure to deliver development projects to oil-producing communities.
Ondo State lawyer, Wale Odusola, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, raised questions over reports accusing the Secretary of OSOPADEC of allegedly diverting ₦400 million, while another media report accused the Chairman of the Commission of allegedly misappropriating ₦90 million.
Odusola said while the allegations were troubling, the larger issue was the continued silence over billions of naira reportedly accruing to OSOPADEC without corresponding projects on ground.
“In 2025, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa openly announced that as at 2024, about ₦35 billion was standing to the credit of OSOPADEC,” Odusola stated.
According to him, expectations were high that unspent funds from 2024 would be carried forward and combined with 2025 accruals.
“By simple calculation, we were expecting a declaration of nothing less than ₦70 billion at the end of 2025. Today, the Governor has stopped talking about the money, and OSOPADEC as a commission has remained inactive,” he alleged.
Alleged Inactivity, Internal Crisis
Odusola further alleged that OSOPADEC has failed to execute any tangible development projects, despite its statutory mandate to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and housing in oil-producing areas.
“When funds meant for projects are not released, what do you expect the people in charge to do?” he asked.
“Do you expect them to be looking at little money released monthly without spending it for their personal benefit, when such funds cannot execute any meaningful project?”
He also alleged a deep rift between the Chairman and the Secretary of the Commission, which he said has further crippled operations.
“There have been cries that the Secretary and the Chairman are working at cross purposes. The Secretary allegedly feels she cannot take orders from the Chairman,” Odusola claimed.
According to him, the situation is worsened by allegations of political protection.
“The Chairman is careful not to report her to the Governor because she is said to be the Governor’s sister,” he alleged.
Silence of Authorities, Impact on Ilaje Nation
Odusola expressed disbelief that the state government was unaware of the situation.
“I cannot believe that the Governor is not aware of the beef between the Secretary and the Chairman because it is not hidden news,” he said.
He also criticized traditional rulers in Ilaje land for what he described as silence in the face of alleged maladministration.
“Most surprising is our Obas that have kept quiet over these abnormalities,” he said.
According to him, the ultimate victims of the alleged dysfunction are the people of Ilaje.
“At the end of the day, the Ilaje nation is the victim,” Odusola stated.
He argued that meaningful investment in healthcare and housing would benefit all residents, regardless of political differences.
“If Ilaje had a world-class hospital or a well-developed housing estate that could attract people from Lagos, it would benefit everyone — including those accusing me today,” he said.
Calls for Structural Review
Expressing frustration over the current state of the commission, Odusola questioned its continued existence.
“If I am given the opportunity to decide the fate of OSOPADEC today, with what the commission has been turned into, I will recommend that it be scrapped,” he declared.
