By Peace Erewunmi

Former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Wale Adedayo, has recalled how he was arraigned and spent three days in prison after accusing Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of diverting statutory allocations meant for the state’s 20 local government councils.

Speaking during a recent interview, Adedayo said his legal ordeal began after he publicly alleged that funds allocated to local governments from the Federation Account were not being paid directly into the councils’ official accounts. He maintained that his claims were made in the public interest and in pursuit of greater transparency in local government administration.

The controversy dates back to 2023 when Adedayo petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), requesting an investigation into the management of local government allocations in Ogun State. The allegations generated widespread political debate and drew national attention.

Following the allegations, Adedayo was suspended and later removed from office by councillors in the Ijebu East Local Government Area over separate allegations of financial misconduct and maladministration, claims he rejected. He was subsequently arraigned before a magistrate court on charges relating to allegedly making false accusations against the state government.

According to Adedayo, he was remanded in a correctional facility in Abeokuta for three days before meeting his bail conditions. He described the experience as an attempt to intimidate him and discourage public officials from speaking out on issues of accountability and financial transparency.

The Ogun State Government has consistently denied Adedayo’s allegations. At the time of the controversy, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the claims as false and politically motivated. The state government insisted that local government allocations were distributed in accordance with the law, while chairmen of the 20 local government councils publicly defended the administration’s handling of council funds and apologised to the governor over the controversy.

The case has remained one of the most prominent disputes over local government finances in recent years, contributing to broader national discussions about local government autonomy, transparency, and the operation of the State Joint Local Government Account. Analysts argue that the controversy underscores the need for stronger financial oversight and clearer accountability mechanisms at the grassroots level.

Although the legal proceedings against Adedayo have continued to attract public interest, the underlying allegations regarding local government allocations have remained the subject of differing political interpretations, with both Adedayo and the Ogun State Government maintaining their respective positions.