••• As Fresh Showdown Looms
Top officials of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) are expected to return to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Akure today (Monday) as investigations continue into the alleged transfer of N463 million into private bank accounts.
The officials, OSOPADEC Chairman, Mr. Biyi Poroye; the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs. Abike Bayo-Ilawole; and the Director of Project Planning and Development, Engr. Olubunmi Filani, had last week appeared before the Bureau following a petition alleging diversion of public funds.
After their initial appearance, the CCB directed them to return today by noon with supporting documents, including bank statements and other financial records, to substantiate explanations already offered during the investigative session.
The Deputy Chief Superintendent of the CCB in Ondo State, Mrs. R.O. Akingbemila, had described the movement of commission funds into private accounts as a breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers.
“It is a case involving the flow of about N463 million into personal accounts, which constitutes a breach of the Code of Conduct. You do not transfer commission funds into private accounts,” she stated.
According to the Bureau, while the officials provided preliminary explanations, the matter remains under active investigation pending further documentary evidence.
One of the major allegations before the Bureau involves the purported transfer of part of the funds into the personal account of the father of the Commission’s Secretary.
However, Mrs. Bayo-Ilawole denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the individual in question was engaged as a contractor on a long-term project and that the amount paid was far below what had been alleged.
“I made it clear that nothing of such happened. The record will speak for itself,” she had said, maintaining that all disbursements were tied to duly approved projects, including school renovations, transformer installations and office upgrades in riverine communities.
She further explained that OSOPADEC followed due process in project approvals, including securing “No Objection” from the Office of the Due Process (ODPP) after gubernatorial approval, and obtaining certificates of completion where necessary.
Similarly, Engr. Filani confirmed that funds were paid into his personal account under a direct labour arrangement to facilitate the execution of 21 school renovation projects in Ilaje Local Government Area.
He explained that the payments were made in tranches ranging from N2 million to N6 million for procurement of materials and payment of labourers in difficult-to-access riverine areas.
According to him, the practice was not unusual within the Commission, particularly for urgent interventions in communities where conventional contractor processes may cause delays.
As of press time, the officials were expected to honour the Bureau’s directive and submit the requested documents today, a development that may determine the next course of action in the ongoing probe.
The outcome of today’s session could shape further legal or administrative proceedings, depending on the Bureau’s findings.
