The Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Donald Fasua, has dismissed claims that the state government is diverting council allocations, a charge some of his colleagues insist is true.
Reports had suggested that several council chairmen accused the government of releasing only ₦4 million from the over ₦600 million monthly allocation due to each council from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
According to them, the bulk of the money was allegedly funneled back into the Ministry of Local Government’s account, leaving councils unable to meet their obligations.
One of the chairmen, who spoke anonymously, alleged, “In the last FAAC for June, some councils received between ₦405 million and ₦644 million, but we were directed to return the substantial part of it. What we are left with is just ₦4 million.”
They further argued that the state justified the deductions on grounds of funding Amotekun, primary healthcare, and basic education.
But Fasua, who also chairs Akure South LGA, strongly refuted the claims, insisting that council bosses maintain full control of their finances.
“It is not true. The governor is not diverting our funds. Since we assumed office, we have been executing visible projects in our local governments. In Akure South alone, I have purchased 10 vehicles in five months. Roads, water projects, and other works are scattered across the state,” Fasua said.
Backing him, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Amidu Takuro, in an interview with Roving Reporters had faulted the complaining chairmen, accusing them of playing politics with a decision that he claimed was unanimously agreed upon.
“If anybody is not in that agreement, he should come out openly. This is not something forced on anybody,” Takuro declared.
The row comes barely two months after the Supreme Court reaffirmed the financial autonomy of local governments, ruling that governors had no power to tamper with FAAC allocations.
The Ondo dispute has now reignited questions over the transparency of council finances and the persistent shadow of state interference in grassroots governance.
