Alleged Fund Transfers: CCB invites OSOPADEC Chairman, Secretary, others

— No Fund Is Missing, Says Secretary

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has invited the Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye; the Secretary, Dr. Abike Bayo-Ilawole; and two directors over allegations relating to the transfer of commission funds into personal accounts.

The invitation followed a petition alleging that over N400 million was transferred from the commission’s account into personal bank accounts of some officials.

Speaking with journalists after appearing before the CCB, Dr. Bayo-Ilawole said no funds were missing and maintained that all disbursements were tied to approved projects.

“No fund is missing. The projects were executed, and we have records to show how the funds were expended. Some projects have been completed, while others are ongoing, with remaining funds still in the account,” she said.

According to her, the projects were approved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and were carried out in line with established procedures.

Also speaking, the Director of Project Planning and Development, Engineer Olukorede Adeshina-Oladapo, said the transfers to his account were connected to the execution of “direct labour” projects, including school renovations, office upgrades and construction works in riverine communities.

He explained that funds were released in tranches to facilitate payments for labour and materials in hard-to-reach areas.

“The payments were made in instalments for project execution. Given the terrain and logistics involved in riverine communities, such arrangements were adopted to ensure smooth implementation,” he said, adding that he was not responsible for approving the transfers.

Similarly, the Deputy Director of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Dare Oretan, said funds transferred to his account were meant for renovation projects in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas under a direct labour arrangement approved by the state government.

He noted that several projects had been completed, while others were nearing completion.

Meanwhile, the state Deputy Superintendent of the CCB, Mrs. Aliu Akingbemila, confirmed that four officials of the commission were invited to respond to queries regarding the transfers.

“We invited them to clarify issues relating to the flow of funds into personal accounts. They have provided explanations, and we have requested relevant documents, including bank statements, to support their claims,” she said.

She added that the bureau is conducting further review of the documents submitted.

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